Gonchar out 4-6 months

Sergei Gonchar will miss 4-6 months.  He's having surgery on Thursday for his dislocated shoulder.

Wow.  I thought the Pens had too many defensemen, but it would seem that Ray Shero may be psychic.

This will be a great chance for the defense to grow up fast without two of their top 4 for an extended period of time.  I see this as very similar to the Crosby injury last year - it will force everyone else to pick up their game.

Here are the top 7 on the blue line (in no particular order):

• Eaton
  
• Sydor
  
• Orpik
  
• Scuderi
  
• Gill
  
• Letang
  
• Goligoski
  

You know, that's still a pretty strong lineup.  Probably a bit lacking in offense, but they certainly have the toughness and speed.