The all too familiar all too lengthy injury update:
First, the good news:
--Brooks Orpik will make his season debut tonight, being paired with Deryk Engelland at least at first, though expect that to be flexible depending on how Orpik can handle the return to action.
--Sidney Crosby continues to progress and seemingly hasn't suffered any problems as he continues to fully participate in all practice activities. He won't play tonight, but it doesn't seem like too much longer now.
--Dustin Jeffrey continues to practice and work from his ACL surgery and has said he's getting a lot closer. Might be able to make his debut in the next 1-2 weeks.
--James Neal did not skate this morning, but is expected to play tonight. Presumably he was resting his back from carrying the team these first few weeks of the season.
--Craig Adams took a puck to the face in practice, but naturally was barely phased and returned quickly. He'll be fine, no report on the puck's condition.
Now, the bad news:
--Orpik will take Brian Strait's place in the lineup due to a hyper-extended elbow. Strait's recovery time is in the "weeks" range, so expect him on the shelf for a while. Tough break for a young guy on the verge of getting a chance to play in the NHL.
--Evgeni Malkin is basically day-to-day with knee soreness and probably won't be back in the very near future. Dan Bylsma said that over-exertion will only hurt Malkin, he basically needs to sit out games until he's 100%, and there's no real set-in-stone idea of when that could be.
--Tyler Kennedy has officially been diagnosed with a concussion. Do I even have to say he's out indefinitely and it's all contingent on his symptoms? Didn't think so.
I think that's it…For now.
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