Perron to play for Penguins

PITTSBURGH – Pittsburgh Penguins forward David Perron will play against the San Jose Sharks on Sunday after previously being considered doubtful.

Perron participated in the Penguins’ pregame warm-ups at Consol Energy Center a day after missing Pittsburgh’s 3-2 win against the Arizona Coyotes with an undisclosed illness. He will play on the fourth line alongside center Maxim Lapierre and a rotation of Beau Bennett and Craig Adams at right wing.

Pittsburgh coach Mike Johnston said following the morning skate Sunday that he did not expect to have Perron available.

The Penguins will use 13 forwards with Daniel Winnik, who has played first-line left wing recently, serving as an emergency sixth defenseman. Pittsburgh will have five defensemen available with Kris Letang sidelined because of a concussion sustained from hitting the back of his head into the end boards in the second period against Arizona.

Perron normally plays first-line left wing next to center Sidney Crosby and right wing Patric Hornqvist. He has 12 goals in 36 games with Pittsburgh this season after scoring seven fewer goals in two more games with the Edmonton Oilers before being traded on Jan. 2.

With Winnik’s minutes likely increasing because of his increased role and Johnston’s propensity to shuffle lines, Perron could play on the first line at various points throughout the game.