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When Tom Kuhnhackl returned from injury last weekend and found himself on a line with rookie winger Dominik Simon, it was like deja vu to last season.

“I’m used to playing on a line with a Czech guy named Dominik, so that wasn’t a change,” Kuhnhackl said, referring to last season’s linemate Dominik Uher.

Another thing that hasn’t changed is the ability of Kuhnhackl’s line to put up points. Through two games last weekend, Kuhnhackl and Simon combined for three goals and five points, including Simon’s overtime game-winner on Saturday.

Kuhnhackl himself has a goal and an assist in two games, and he’s done it despite being a bit rusty.

“It’s always tough coming back from injury, but I need to improve,” Kuhnhackl said after Monday’s practice at the Toyota Sportsplex. “I need to improve with moving my feet and getting in position. I feel like I’m a little late, a little rusty.”

Kuhnhackl played in just one preseason game before getting injured while at Pittsburgh’s training camp, and he pledged that his game would get sharper as time goes on.

But so far, so good for the Penguins.

“I thought he got stronger as the weekend went on,” head coach Mike Sullivan said. “He was one of our better players in the second game.”

Sullivan described Kuhnhackl as a versatile player who plays strong at both ends and can contribute on the penalty kill. When he inserted Josh Archibald on the line with Kuhnhackl and Simon to start the third period on Saturday, the trio had instant chemistry.

Sullivan said he doesn’t know if he’ll keep the trio together for Wednesday’s game against Binghamton, but it’s a combination that he’ll keep in the back of his mind if a spark is needed.

For Kuhnhackl, the approach to every game is the same no matter who is on his line.

“We have to play a full 60-minute game and we have to play hard and with a focus,” he said. “It doesn’t matter who we play with. That approach stays the same.”

NOTEBOOK

– Sullivan on Bobby Farnham being claimed off waivers by New Jersey: “It’s disappointing from our standpoint because obviously we value him as a player and a person. Thats why the (waiver) system is in place the way it is. It provides opportunities for players to stay at the NHL level. Our loss is their gain and its his opportunity to continue his career at the NHL level.”

– One player who could bring a style similar to Farnham’s is Josh Archibald, who has been using his speed and physical play on the forecheck. Sullivan said the 5-foot-10, 176-pound Archibald “plays bigger than he is.”

“For a guy that’s not the biggest guy in the rink, he plays a physical game. An abrasive style,” Sullivan said. “Without question he brings that element.”

– F Tyler Biggs practiced for the first time on Monday without the red “no contact” jersey. F Tom Sestito (lower body) had an MRI after Monday’s practice and Sullivan said he’s not considered day-to-day but he doesn’t suspect the injury will keep him out for the long-term either.

– The Penguins and Eyewitness News (WBRE/WYOU) have teamed up to provide hockey fans in Northeast Pennsylvania a way to kick off their weekends.

Eyewitness News Fan Fridays will take place seven times during the 2015-16 hockey season, starting on Friday, October 30, when the Hartford Wolf Pack comes to town. Lower bowl seats in the Mohegan Sun Arena are priced at just $14 apiece for all Friday home contests – which is a 50 percent savings off the normal gate price.

Select draft beers will also be available for just $2 apiece from the time gates open at 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. each Friday night.

The full list of Eyewitness News Fan Friday games are:

Friday, Oct. 30 Hartford Wolf Pack 7:05 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 6 St. John’s IceCaps 7:05 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 13 Hershey Bears 7:05 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 27 Providence Bruins 7:05 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 4 Lehigh Valley Phantoms 7:05 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 18: Toronto Marlies 7:05 p.m.

Friday, April 18 Lehigh Valley Phantoms 7:05 p.m.

By Tom Venesky

[email protected]

Reach Tom Venesky at 570-991-6395 or on Twitter @TLTomVenesky