Komets lineup could look a lot different

Komets defenseman Ryan Culkin. (News-Sentinel photo by Blake Sebring)
The Komets had their final Fort Wayne practice today at the Parkview IceHouse before climbing on the bus for the ride to Cincinnati for Thursday’s Game 3.
What was particularly interesting is that forward Marc-Olivier Roy said he’s hoping to play in Game 3. He hasn’t played since March 28 because of a lower-body injury, but he’s been skating full-speed in practice and he’s excited about the chance to play.
What’s interesting is that Ryan Culkin and Curtis Leonard are also making the trip to Cincinnati. They have been practicing and don’t know their status as far as playing tomorrow but said they are ready to go if necessary. Culkin hasn’t played since March 3 and Leonard since April 7.
Artie Tyanulin also returned to practice today and looked sharp. He just came back from Phoenix and Tuscon where he’s been recovering from a concussion. He hasn’t played since March 16.
“I’m in good condition,” he said. “I worked with the coaches on the Roadrunners to get into better shape. I’m so excited. I had a good year here with the boys on and off the ice, so I’m so excited to be back.”
Teammates were teasing Tyanulin during practice and he was giving it right back to them.
There has been no update on the status of Justin Hodgman as he’s under concussion protocol. He is not expected to play this weekend.
After winning the first two games, Komets coach Gary Graham may not change up the lineup too much heading into Game 3, but at least now he’s got some options after Fort Wayne had to play Game 2 with one fewer player than the maximum of 16 skaters.