Penguins LW Fedotenko injures hand

Jan 7, 2009 - 12:50 PM PITTSBURGH (Ticker) -- Ruslan Fedotenko gave the struggling Pittsburgh Penguins a much-needed boost in an unexpected way Tuesday but may have to pay a price.

Early in Pittsburgh's 3-1 victory over the Atlanta Thrashers, Fedotenko was involved in a fight with Colby Armstrong, knocking down the former Penguin with just one punch.

However, the 29-year-old Ukrainian may have broken a bone in his right hand as a result and is scheduled to have X-rays taken, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. The fight, Fedotenko's second in 571 career games, occurred just 87 seconds into the game, and the left wing did not return.

Despite getting hurt, Fedotenko gave the Penguins - who had lost 11 of their previous 15 contests - a lift with his performance, according to captain Sidney Crosby.

"I think we were ready from the start, but that sparked us a little bit," said Crosby, who scored a power-play goal in the win. "Definitely when you have an emotional start like that, it helps."

Signed as a free agent over the summer, Fedotenko has recorded 11 goals and 10 assists in 39 games this season.

In addition to Fedotenko, Pittsburgh lost the services of right wing Pascal Dupuis, who left the victory in the second period with a lower body injury. The 29-year-old has registered nine goals and 12 points in 37 contests this campaign.