MONDAY’S PRACTICE NOTES
— With Olli Maatta out of the lineup for the next couple weeks, Paul Martin got the first look today in practice with Kris Letang.
Martin was paired with Letang, while Rob Scuderi – Simon Despres, and Christian Ehrhoff – Robert Bortuzzo rounded out the top three pairs.
Scott Harrington has rejoined the team in Maatta’s absence and took some reps with Ehrhoff in place of Bortuzzo.
— Maatta will not have surgery this week, head coach Mike Johnston revealed after practice. “There’s treatment this week and that’s all I have right now,” Johnston said.
— The Penguins travel to Minnesota this afternoon and with Jayson Megna re-assigned, look to be heading on the road trip with just 12 forwards.
PENGUINS DIDN’T CONSIDER HOMECOMING FOR RYAN MALONE THIS TIME AROUND

The Penguins kicked the tires on inviting Ryan Malone to training camp during the summer but the team gave no consideration to claiming Malone who went unclaimed today on waivers. Reviews on Malone from Penguins scouts were not favorable, a source says.
Malone is pointless in five games with the Rangers and has a minus-4 rating.