Penguins acquire F Kovalev from Senators (AP)

Forward Alex Kovalev is returning to the Penguins on a day the team couldn’t escape losing yet another regular to an ever-growing injured list. The Penguins acquired Kovalev in exchange for a conditional draft pick with the Ottawa Senators on Thursday. The trade is Pittsburgh’s second in four days as the team attempts to shore up a banged-up roster that will now be minus 12 regulars.