Orpik missed Tuesday’s practice and Wednesday’s morning skate but there is still a chance that he plays tonight. He will be a game-time decision, but will be replaced by Cam Schilling if he can’t play.
Orpik, who is listed as a game-time decision, will skate in warmups before deciding if he will take part in the Winter Classic.
Orpik suffered a leg injury in the Capitals loss to the Islanders on Monday. Monitor his status as the Winter Classic approaches on Thursday.
Orpik, 33, has spent his entire 12 year career with the Penguins but will be in Washington for the 2014-15 season. He is a strong stay-at-home defenseman who managed to post 13 points (2G / 11A) in 72 games last year. He also had a strong Olympics, but at $5.5 million annual cap-hit and all the injuries he's had in recent years, this is a risky signing.
Orpik returned for just one period in game 4, before re-aggravating a lower-body injury on a hit attempt on Mats Zuccarello. Orpik will once again be replaced by Robert Bortuzzo as the Penguins look to eliminate the Rangers tonight.
Orpik missed the previous five games, but returned in game 4, but the return did not last long. He levelled Brad Richards on his first shift, but later in the period, Orpik initiated a hit against New York's Mats Zuccarello and his right knee buckled violently toward his left knee. He retired to the dressing room for the remainder of the game, leaving the Pens with only five D-men for the remaining 40 minutes. Expect him to sit on Friday with Robert Bortuzzo sliding back in.
Orpik has missed the late five games with the lower-body ailment, but may be back in the Pens lineup tonight. If he is able to play, we will not find out until pre-game warmups, and we expect Robert Bortuzzo to come out of the lineup. Orpik has one goal, one assist and plus-5 rating in four games this postseason.
Orpik will miss his fourth consecutive game tonight with a lower-body injury he suffered in round 1. Robert Bortuzzo will skate in his stead for the fourth game in a row. Orpik skated on his own this morning and is listed as day-to-day.
Orpik will miss his third straight game with a lower-body injury that he suffered in game 4 of the first round. Orpik has been replaced by Robert Bortuzzo, who has no points and a plus-1 rating while averaging 13:00 TOI in his first two games.
Orpik did not take part in the Penguins morning skate so it looks like he will miss his third straight game with a lower-body injury. Head coach Dan Bylsma did not disclose any lineup information, but from the looks of things, Robert Bortuzzo should be in for Orpik.
Orpik did not play in game 5 and did not take part in the morning skate, so his absence from tonight's lineup is not a surprise. Robert Bortuzzo will stick in the lineup with Orpik sidelined for a second straight contest.
Orpik, who missed game 5, appears to be in danger of missing game 6 as well. He did not skate this morning, but was riding the stationary bike outside the Pens' locker room while the team was on the ice. If he can't go, expect Robert Bortuzzo to stay in the lineup alongside Rob Scuderi.
It's possible that Orpik could be getting the morning skate off but it looks like he'll be a gametime decision tonight.
There is no word on what is ailing Orpik, the Penguins could be giving him another rest day with the playoffs around the corner.
Oprik missed Sunday's game but will be back in tonight with Paul Martin as he defence partner.
It looks like the Penguins will rest four key players in the second game of a back-to-back set. They are locked into a playoff spot, so no need to dress their stars.
Orpik will play for the first time since December 7 when he was knocked unconscious by a Shawn Thornton sucker punch. He missed eight games with a concussion but will be back tonight when the Penguins are in Carolina. He will skate with Deryk Engelland.
This is a good sign for Orpik who was knocked unconscious by Shawn Thornton just six days ago. No word on whether or not he will participate in the morning skate, but regardless it is great to see him out there less than a week after a scary incident.
Orpik was placed on injured reserve this morning and is not eligible to return for seven days which would be next Saturday.
Orpik was injured on Saturday when he was sucker punched by Bruins winger Shawn Thornton while laying prone on the ice. Orpik concussed Loui Eriksson on a hit earlier in the game and when things spiralled out of control after a James Neal knee, Thornton went right after Orpik. Thornton has been suspended indefinitely for the incident and Orpik will be out until at least next Saturday.
