Penguins' Ehrhoff cleared for contact, listed as day-to-day

Christian Ehrhoff has cleared a major hurdle in his recovery from an upper-body injury.

The defenseman has been cleared for contact and is now listed as day-to-day, Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Johnston announced Tuesday.

Ehrhoff missed the final nine games of the regular season with the injury, and a return at some point in the opening round would be a major boost for a club also dealing with the loss of Kris Letang. 

In 49 games, Ehrhoff scored three goals and added 14 assists with 110 shots.