Pens' Schultz expected to miss 4 months with fractured leg

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Justin Schultz is expected to miss the next four months after undergoing surgery to repair a fracture in his lower left leg, general manager Jim Rutherford announced Monday.

Schultz was helped off the ice by teammates during Saturday's game against the Montreal Canadiens in the first period after an awkward collision along the boards with Tomas Plekanec.

The 28-year-old plays a massive role on Pittsburgh's blue line and recorded four assists in four games to open the season before his injury.