Mikhail Sergachev Back For Utah's Game Against Penguins

Over the last five games, Utah HC has played without defenseman Mikahail Sergachev.

But tonight, Sergachev is back in the starting lineup and only playing his third game with Utah defenseman John Marino, who was out the first half of the season due to back surgery.

Sergachev currently averages 25:45 in time on ice, the second-highest in the NHL, behind only Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski, who averages 26:47. Missing a player who averages that much time on ice has surely affected Utah over its last five games.

Utah will also benefit from Sergachev's return, not only because of his defensive presence, but also due to his offensive abilities, as he currently leads the team with the fifth most points. His playmaking ability will be particularly helpful, as he has managed 22 assists on the year.

Along with that, Sergachev will finally get the chance to strengthen his chemistry with Marino.

With Sergachev back, Utah HC continues to get healthier and healthier on the defensive line.

While Utah defenseman Sean Durzi and Robert Bortuzzo still are out with injury, Utah is the healthiest it has been since the beginning of the season prior to Durzi's upper body injury against the New Jersey Devils. 

Sergachev's inclusion in tonight's line up meant that Utah had to sit one of its other defenseman. Rather than sit newcomer Nick DeSimone, it was Jüüso Valimaki who was taken out of the starting line up as a healthy scratch.

DeSimone has played relatively well for Utah this year, registering three assists, two of which came on Barrett Hayton goals. His chemistry with Hayton, the NHL Third Star of the Week, along with solid defense and a willingness to let shots fly, has provided Utah with much-needed support as the team deals with injuries.