Wednesday Practice Report: Talbot (shoulder) being re-evaluated; Gonchar to return Thursday night;

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Maxime Talbot missed practice this morning and was evaluated by team doctors. Talbot was a healthy scratch for the third time Tuesday night but according to a source, Talbot has been feeling some discomfort in his surgically repaired shoulder.

The Penguins are considering the possibility of shutting him down for a week or two.

Meanwhile, defenseman Sergei Gonchar was a full participant this morning and is on track to return to the lineup Thursday night against the Philadelphia Flyers. Gonchar was paired with Brooks Orpik in practice and skated very well. Gonchar has missed the Penguins past three games.

*We could see one more callup for tomorrow night’s game.

Ruslan Fedotenko did not skate today due to an ankle injury. Fedotenko is optimistic that he will be able to play and even mentioned last night that the injury wasn’t a big deal but with Talbot questionable, Pittsburgh may recall Mark Letestu Thursday morning, depending on the health of both players.

Penguins GM Ray Shero announced today that assistant coach Mike Yeo will rejoin the Penguins tomorrow morning and will be behind the bench for Thursday’s contest.

*Chris Kunitz under-went successful surgery this morning in Philadelphia, the Penguins announced today. Dr. William C. Meyers performed the surgery.

Kunitz is not expected to return until after the Olympic Break.