Penguins/NHL
Defenseman Brooks Orpik was evaluated by team doctors on Wednesday and sources tell me Orpik is being regarded as day-to-day for now and is doubtful to play against the New Jersey Devils.
The extent of his injury is not clear to this point. More evaluations are expected to be conducted.
Defenseman Ben Lovejoy will join the Penguins in the morning and participate in the teams morning skate.
The New Jersey Devils come to town as the Devils are seeking their 9th road win of the season.
With limited cap space, forward Chris Conner is expected to be re-assigned by the weekend.
Evgeni Malkin is expected to return Saturday night. Malkin has been cleared for contact by team doctors. He is ready to return and will be a coaches decision Thursday night.
Latest Buzz from the GM Meetings
Pittsburgh Penguins General Manager Ray Shero is currently in Toronto for the annual GM meetings and Shero has spent plenty of time conducting evaluation meetings with Team USA GM Brian Burke and the rest of the management team, Philadelphia Flyers GM Paul Holmgren, Nashville Predators GM David Poile, Los Angeles Kings GM Dean Lombardi and Atlanta Thrashers GM Don Waddell.
Team USA is less than two months away from picking their final roster.
* Much of the talk coming out of the GM meetings has been about Petr Forsberg and Chris Chelios. Regardless of how many injuries the Penguins have to their backend, Chelios will not be on the Penguins radar under any circumstances.
*A number of teams are showing interest in Ryan Bayda. Bayda’s agent wants some clarity soon on the Penguins plans for him. Pittsburgh isn’t showing a strong interest in moving him to this point.
