Pittsburgh Penguins News

Hayes (lower-body) left Sunday’s game and is questionable for Monday’s game.

Hayes left Sunday’s game after playing just 8:41 TOI and did not return. Hayes was seen walking stiffly with a brace on his left leg after the game, which isn’t a good sign for his availability for Monday’s game. Hayes will be evaluated on Monday, so expect an update later today.

Kevin Hayes
Letang is week-to-week with a lower-body injury.

Letang was hurt Saturday vs. the Red Wings and will miss at least a few weeks with a lower-body injury. The Penguins moved him to IR this morning, so he has to miss at least four games, but it sounds like he will miss more time. Justin Schultz’s stock rises again with his movement to the top power play.

Kris Letang
The Red Wings have recalled Anthony Mantha from Grand Rapids (AHL).

Mantha, 22, has been off to a great start in Grand Rapids, scoring eight goals with two assists (10 points) in the first 10 games of the season. In 10 NHL games a season ago, Mantha collected two goals and one assist. He has been recalled because Andreas Athanasiou has been placed on IR with a lower-body injury. Mantha should make his season debut on Saturday.

Anthony Mantha
Letang (upper-body) will return to the Penguins lineup on Wednesday.

Letang has missed the last five games with an upper-body injury, but he will play tonight in Anaheim. Letang has registered two assists and 16 shots on goal in four games this season and will re-claim his spot on the top pair and power-play unit.

Kris Letang
Rakell (abdomen) was a full participant in Monday’s practice; expected to make his season debut on Tuesday.

Rakell missed the first nine games of the season with an abdomen injury, contract holdout and work visa issue. However, he was back on the ice on Monday, centring the third line with Antoine Vermette and Chris Wagner on his wing. Rakell, who had 43 points (20G / 23A) in 72 games last year, was also featured on the second power-play.

Rickard Rakell
Crosby (concussion) will be a game-time decision on Tuesday.

Crosby was a full-participant in the Penguins’ practices on Monday and Tuesday and will be a game-time decision on Tuesday. Crosby centred the top line and top power-play, so it looks like he will return tonight vs. the Panthers. Monitor Crosby’s status when warmups start at 6:30pm ET.

Sidney Crosby
Crosby (concussion) was a full-participant in Monday’s practice; not ruled out of Tuesday’s game.

Crosby was cleared for contact on Monday and finished the practice with no limitations. It was a great sign that Crosby is nearing his season debut and head coach Mike Sullivan did not rule Crosby out of Tuesday’s game vs. Florida—he remains day-to-day.

Sidney Crosby