Staal, Letang remain game time decisions after participating in morning skate

*Jordan Staal and Kris Letang each skated for the second straight day but head coach Dan Bylsma would not commit to either playing tonight, calling both players a game time decision.

Staal centered Chris Kunitz and Pascal Dupuis during the morning skate leading to speculation that he probably will play but a source says word this morning was that the team was leaning towards holding Staal out for another game.

Staal is expected to be evaluated about 90 minutes before game time and a decision will be made. If Staal does return to the lineup, look for Dustin Jeffrey and Steve MacIntyre to be healthy scratches.

*Alexandre Picard who was recalled this morning, skated with the Penguins and will take Letang’s spot in the lineup, if Letang’s unable to give it a go.

*Marc Andre Fleury (7-2-0, 1.86 GAA .934 save percentage), as expected, will be back in the lineup after getting a night off on Saturday.

Antti Niemi (4-2-0) will get the start in goal for San Jose. Niemi is 2-0-1 in his career vs Pittsburgh with a 1.60 goals against average.

*Zbynek Michalek (broken finger) reportedly did some individual work late in the Penguins morning skate. Michalek has been sidelined since October 22nd and is expected to be back before Thanksgiving.