Kucherov left Saturday's game with a lower-body injury and appeared to be in significant discomfort. Head coach Jon Cooper said that Kucherov is still being evaluated but that it's more than a "day-to-day thing" and added that he's going to "miss some time." With Kucherov not available for Monday's practice, Ondrej Palat moved to PP1 and Corey Perry moved up to the top line.
Guentzel missed the season opener due to COVID-19 protocol but will play Thursday in Florida. Guentzel will play on the top line with Jeff Carter and Bryan Rust as well as PP1. Guentzel has averaged 39 goals and 43 assists (82 points) per 82 games over the last three seasons.
Guentzel cleared COVID-19 protocol and was on the ice for Wednesday's practice, presumable clearing the way for him to play on Thursday. If Guentzel plays, he will skate on the top line with Jeff Carter and Bryan Rust and return to his role on PP1.
Vasilevskiy led the NHL in wins for the fourth consecutive year in 2021, going 31-10-1 with a 2.21 GAA and .925 SV%. Vasilevsksiy has been in the top-3 in Vezina voting in four straight seasons and starts with a nice matchup tonight--Pittsburgh will be without Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Jake Guentzel in their season opener.
Guentzel missed a big chunk of the preseason following a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, so he will be held out of the opener in Tampa. However, Guentzel did make the trip and will be re-evaluated ahead of Thursday's game against the Panthers.
