Penguins forwards Sidney Crosby, Alex Galchenyuk and Bryan Rust did not participate in the team’s practice Sunday at PPG Paints Arena.
According to coach Mike Sullivan, Crosby is considered day-to-day and was held out for precautionary reasons. He skated briefly before practice. Sullivan labeled Crosby’s status as “encouraging.”
Rust still is being evaluated, while Galchenyuk remains day-to-day and is said to be making progress. He participated in an off-ice workout and is scheduled to skate Monday with a skills coach.
Crosby and Rust were injured Saturday during a 3-2 preseason shootout loss to the Buffalo Sabres. Crosby was struck in the left leg by a puck, and Rust blocked a shot with his left arm. Galchenyuk has been sidelined with an undisclosed injury and has not skated with the team since participating in a morning skate Wednesday.
With that trio absent, forward Jared McCann filled in for Crosby on the top line between wingers Jake Guentzel and Brandon Tanev during practice. On the second line, Zach Aston-Reese and Patric Hornqvist flanked Evgeni Malkin. Nick Bjugstad centered the third line with Dominik Simon and Dominik Kahun on the wings. Teddy Blueger and prospect Adam Johnson composed two-thirds of a fourth line.
Goaltender Matt Murray appeared to be shaken up toward the end of practice when a puck struck him near the neck. He skated towards the bench for a few moments but finished practice. Murray told reporters he was struck in the Adam’s apple and indicated the discomfort was temporary.
Johnson was given medical clearance to resume practicing and was assigned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League. He participated in practice for approximately 25 minutes before leaving the ice then departing the building with his equipment. Johnson had not skated with the team since he played in a preseason game against the Sabres at University Park on Sept. 16.
The Penguins will have an off day Monday and open the regular season Thursday at home against the Sabres.
