Thursday Practice Report: Orpik not on the ice; Martin practicing

THURSDAY PRACTICE REPORT

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Penguins have hit the ice for today’s workout at the Consol Energy Center. The team begins a five game road trip Friday night in Carolina.

— Defenseman Brooks Orpik (hand) is not on the ice. The team is expected to update his status after practice. Orpik was scheduled to get x-rays last night.

— Defenseman Paul Martin went through another day of individual workouts prior to practice and has now joined his teammates for practice. He appears to be a full participant and looked very strong in workouts yesterday. Martin is expected to travel with the team to Carolina and should return this weekend.

— Chris Kunitz went through 60+ minutes of on-ice workouts with strength and conditioning coach Mike Kadar but is not practicing with his teammates.

Kunitz still appears to be a few days away. He won’t play tomorrow night in Carolina.

— Indications are Mark Letestu and Dustin Jeffrey will be held out for Friday’s game. Letestu said on Wednesday that playing this weekend is a possibility but the start of next week appears more likely.

Both are skating on the 5th line for the second straight day.