Penguins/NHL
The Pittsburgh Penguins returned to the ice today as the team went through a 65 minute skate today in what was more of a structured practice with attention to details.
As expected Penguins forward Max Talbot has been ruled out for tomorrow’s game against Montreal and Sunday against Washington.
Talbot who is bothered by a groin injury, could be shutdown until after the Olympic break, team sources indicate.
Wilkes Barre forward Mark Letestu will be recalled this afternoon.
Letestu is expected to center the Penguins third line as the unit of Jordan Staal – Evgeni Malkin – Pascal Dupuis will remain together against Montreal.
Pittsburgh went through a 65 minute skate today in what was more of a structured practice with attention to details.
I was also informed that Pittsburgh may be forced to callup a second forward due to the questionable status of Chris Kunitz.
Kunitz practiced on the 1st line Wednesday and skated with strength and conditioning coach Mike Kadar on Thursday but was surprisingly not on the top two lines today in practice.
It has been expected that Kunitz will return Saturday afternoon or Sunday.
Updated 12:30 p.m. – Chris Kunitz indicated after practice that he is unlikely to play tomorrow. There has been no word if there has been a setback but Kunitz has not ruled out playing on Sunday.
If a second callup is made, it may very well be Tim Wallace, I’m told, although that hasn’t been confirmed.
Cap space remains a major issue for Pittsburgh right now.
*Meanwhile, Marc Andre Fleury will start against Montreal. Bylsma indicated he has a open mind regarding Fleury starting Sunday against Washington, in what will be back-to-back games.
Based on practice, here’s a projected lineup for tomorrow
***No morning skate on Sat
Fedotenko – Crosby – Guerin
Dupuis – Staal – Malkin
Cooke – Letestu (expected callup) – Kennedy
Rupp – Adams – (callup, might be Wallace)
Out: Talbot
Likely Out: Kunitz
more to come
