Big hit forces Kruger to leave game

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Updated: 10:22 p.m.

Blackhawks center Marcus Kruger did not come out for the second period after taking a big hit along the boards midway through the first.

Kruger was hit hard and high by Pittsburgh defenseman Deryk Engelland in the first period. On replays, it appeared Engelland left his feet as he delivered a forearm to Kruger's face. Kruger did finish the first period, however.

(Kruger) was on the bench to start the second. A couple of times I had to call him and he didnt end up getting out there, coach Joel Quenneville said. Hes OK now. A high hit, a tough area, he was in a tough spot.

John Scott came to Krugers defense, fighting and bloodying Engelland. Coach Joel Quenneville said Scott did the right thing, but Scott was nevertheless given a two-minute instigator and a 10-minute misconduct. That gave the Pens a power play, which Chris Kunitz converted for a 1-0 lead.

Scott said Im always going to stand up for my teammates. Anybody else on this team wouldve done the same thing.

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