Thursday’s Tidbits
After having an off day yesterday, the Pens were back to work this morning. It was announced that forward Cal O’Reilly who was picked up off of waivers from the Phoenix Coyotes less than two weeks ago was sent down to Wilkes-Barre Scranton. Since the Pens have had him for less than 10 days, he did not have to hit waivers. But if they Pens decided to bring him up again, he will have to go through re-entry waivers. He had one assist in six games with the big club, but was scratched the last three games.
Goaltender Brent Johnson was back at practice after being sick the past couple days and Coach Bylsma believes he should be ready to go for the weekend.
Defensemen Brooks Orpik who sat out last game against the Rangers, was back at practice today. His undisclosed injury leaves him day to day and his status for the weekend is unknown.
Forward Tyler Kennedy who was expected out four to six weeks with a lower body injury, skated with strength and conditioning coach Mike Kadar before practice today.
Defensemen Matt Niskanen missed practice due to an illness.
Forward Sidney Crosby skated with the rest of the team at practice, but did not participate in the team scrimmage. He did not meet with the media after practice, but Bylsma said he has had no change in status.
Another odd development is it seems Forward Eric Tangradi who was just brought up this week has taken Dustin Jeffrey’s place on the fourth line. Jeffrey practiced along with Crosby as an extra. Is General Manager Ray Shero trying to showcase Tangradi for a possible trade, or are they upset with Jeffrey’s recent play? I guess we will see soon enough as the trade deadline is this Monday!
The Pens face-off against Tampa Bay, Saturday at 1.
Black Tie Required 