Gonchar a 'game-time' decision

Head coach Dan Bylsma updated the media on defenseman Sergei Gonchar's status following his knee-to-knee collision with Alex Ovechkin last night. The report was more optimistic than originally thought and Gonchar has not been ruled out for tonight's Game 5 contest in Washington.

"We evaluated him and continue to evaluate him," Bylsma said. "It's more or less how he's going to respond. The swelling has not been significant but it's going to be day-to-day, game-time (decision) for Sergei. He's not doing as bad as we thought and it will be game-time as far as our decisions with our lineup."

If Gonchar plays, Bylsma said he would consider dressing seven defensemen in the contest as an insurance policy. The Penguins also recalled blueliner Alex Goligoski from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

Goligoski, 23, registered 20 points (six goals, 14 assists) in 45 contests during the regular season with Pittsburgh.  He began the season with the Penguins appearing in 44 games and recording a plus-five rating    He notched his first NHL goal Oct. 5 versus Ottawa.  Before being re-assigned, Goligoski led all rookie defensemen with six goals, 14 assists and 20 points, while tying for fifth among all rookies with eight power-play points (four goals, four assists).   

The rookie defenseman has notched six points (one goal, five assists) in nine post-season games for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.  Goligoski scored 18 points (two goals, 16 assists) and recorded 16 penalty minutes in 26 games during the regular season with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. 

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