NHL: Pens brass wavers what to do with Tangradi; Injury update on Asham

The Penguins were hopeful to play their most likely regular season lineup against the Detroit Red Wings in their pre-season finale on Sunday but that's not going to happen due to injuries and position battles still going on.

Sidney Crosby, Brooks Orpik and Arron Asham will be among the regulars who will sit out tonight's game.

*Brooks Orpik who is sidelined with a groin injury that the Penguins say is not related to his hernia surgery from the summer, has not skated since Tuesday's practice and did not travel with the team this weekend.

The Penguins open up the season Thursday night at home against the Philadelphia Flyers. Head coach Dan Bylsma expects Orpik to be ready to go for the opener.

However, Orpik and likely D-partner Zbynek Michalek have not had much practice time or game time together. That will be a focus this week when the team begins full preparations for the regular season on Monday.

*Sidney Crosby remains sidelined with a hip flexor injury. The injury is sore and Crosby will be off the ice again today.

The Penguins don't expect him to miss anytime at the start of the regular season.

Crosby though continues to be bothered by nagging lower body injuries and that likely won't change due to how hard he plays in games and practices.

Some have said Crosby may eventually have to tone it down in practice but it's hard to imagine him complying with that.

*As of late Saturday night, the extent of Arron Asham's injury was still not known according to a source close to Asham. The rugged winger left Friday's game after only two shifts. He has what is being described as some "discomfort" in his shoulder area.