After knee scare, Penner good to go

After today’s brief morning skate, Dustin Penner efficiently worked in the dressing room to get all his gear together, a sure sign that he would be able to play in tonight’s Staples Center opener. That had been in doubt yesterday, when Penner left practice early and went to a doctor to have his knee examined, but apparently Penner is fine, or at least well enough to play tonight. Penner was in good spirits this morning as he talked about being able to play tonight and the knee soreness that had bothered him for a couple days.

PENNER: “Yeah, it’s something that I had never encountered before, something I was just a little weary of, so that I didn’t do further damage to it. … After seven years, I guess my body is breaking down a bit. The first two games I missed, and then a third one where I kind of couldn’t go, but the doctors reassured me that it’s nothing that it’s going to be long-term.’’

Question: How much are you looking forward to getting into a little bit of a rhythm on the ice?

PENNER: “Yeah, definitely. Hopefully I can jump right into it, as far as where I wanted to be at the start of the season. I’m looking forward to getting a few games under my belt where I’m injury-free.’’

Question: But your fighting days are done for a while?

PENNER: “Well, Dewey [Drew Doughty] is on IR for seven more days, so at least until then. [laughs]’’

Question: What did the doctor tell you?

PENNER: “It’s a problem that has built up over time, and was triggered by me landing on it. It’s just inflammation that’s (impacting) the mobility of my joints, so we’re working on it right now, and it should be fine.’’

Question: But it’s nothing that should be a long-term problem?

PENNER: “No. But I’m not a doctor. I play one on TV. [smiles]’’

Terry Murray said Penner “went to the doctor and had it checked out. Everything was good. He feels a little bit of soreness there, but it’s just the way it is. I think every player in the room probably, after four games, has a little bit of soreness, and he’s good to go.’’

Murray also said he had no hesitation in terms of putting Penner in the lineup tonight.

MURRAY: “None whatsoever. As long as I hear from the doctors and the medical staff that there’s no issue there, I have no problem putting him in at all. I had a meeting with him earlier, before the practice, and talked about this and I definitely want him in. So he’s good to go.’’