Tuesday Practice Report: Penguins get back to work after disappointing loss

The Pittsburgh Penguins returned to the ice this morning after Monday nights disappointing loss to the Carolina Hurricanes.

Head coach Dan Bylsma talked today how the Penguins lacked focus as the Penguins have given up the first goal in seven straight games.

One player who did not practice today was Mark Letestu, who was re-assigned to Wilkes Barre/Scranton this morning. Letestu played a strong game Saturday night against Chicago but was a healthy scratch Monday night.

Defenseman Alex Goligoski practiced for the second straight day and barring a setback, expects to return to the lineup Thursday night in Montreal.

With two full practices before Thursday’s game, the power play will be a top priority for the coaching staff like it is for many practices.

Pittsburgh ranks 28th in the league on the power play. One change that will be made is Alex Goligoski replacing Kris Letang at the left point and Jordan Staal continues to get increased reps in practice on the first unit. The Penguins though like a right handed on the left side and Bill Guerin is in no danger of losing his spot.

Pittsburgh has yet to flirt with the idea of using Michael Rupp on the power play.

The coaching staff is growing frustrated with the play of

Ruslan Fedotenko. Dan Bylsma had a closed door meeting with Fedotenko last Wednesday and Fedotenko responded well against Colorado but struggled last night and only had 10:26 of ice time.

It was the second in a week that Fedotenko had under 13 minutes of ice time. Fedotenko has 1 goal in his last 18 games.

With Chris Kunitz close to returning, Fedotenko could be a potential scratch in the near future. Despite Eric Godard playing less than five minutes per game most nights, Dan Bylsma likes Godard in the lineup.