Crosby will not be available on Thursday, but the Penguins announced that his upper-body injury is not a concussion. Head coach Mike Sullivan thinks that Crosby will probably be out for a week, meaning he will probably miss at least Saturday’s game in Ottawa.
Crosby was absent during the Penguins practice session on Wednesday, making him questionable for Thursday’s game against the Lightning. Monitor his status during tomorrow’s morning skate.
Grzelcyk has missed the last two games with a lower-body injury, but could return tonight vs. the Stars. Grzelcyk skated as an extra during line rushes but participated on the second power-play unit, suggesting he may replace Jeremy Lauzon tonight.
Riikola has been a healthy scratch for the last two games, but is expected to be back in the Penguins lineup on Monday. The rookie defenseman has failed to record a point while averaging 17:34 TOI/GM in his first six NHL games.
Puljujarvi has been a healthy scratch for the last four games, but will replace Kailer Yamamoto in the lineup vs. Chicago. Puljujarvi will skate on the third line with Ryan Strome and Milan Lucic and returns to the lineup with one goal on nine shots in seven games.
Letang missed Tuesday’s game, but was back on the ice for Wednesday’s practice and could play Thursday vs. the Islanders. Letang’s return to the lineup would be huge for the Penguins, as the veteran defenseman has picked up 11 points (4G / 7A) in nine games this season.
Letang left Monday’s practice with what was described as a nagging lower-body injury. Letang did not take part in Tuesday’s optional morning skate and is officially listed as a game-time decision. If Letang can’t play, look for Juuso Riikola to draw back into the lineup.
Grzelcyk suffered a lower-body injury and is not expected to play on Tuesday. Grzelcyk will likely be replaced by Torey Krug, who is expected to make his season debut. Corey Cave was also recalled from Providence (AHL) to give the Bruins an extra defenseman.
Riikola had a rough night in Edmonton on Tuesday, so he will get a chance to sit in the press box tonight. Chad Ruhwedel will replace him on the third pairing.
Puljujarvi has recorded just one goal with a minus-4 rating while playing 12:27 TOI/GM in seven games this season. Drake Caggiula is healthy and will replace Puljujarvi on Thursday.
Beauvillier missed one game with an illness, but is expected to replace Tom Kuhnhackl in the lineup on Wednesday. Beauvillier is expected to start on a line with Valtteri Filppula and Leo Komarov, but head coach Barry Trot expected him to play with “a little bit of everybody.”
Beauvillier missed the Islanders morning skate and will be replaced by Tom Kuhnhackl in the Islanders lineup on Saturday. Beauvillier is considered day-to-day.
Jarry backed up Casey DeSmith last week, but Matt Murray returned to the bench on Saturday so there’s no reason for the Penguins to carry three goaltenders. The 23-year-old netminder has yet to make an appearance this season, but was 9-5-0 with a 3.05 GAA and .901 SV% in 16 AHL games last year.
