Pittsburgh Penguins Announce Major Updates Ahead of Crucial Three Game Road Trip

After playing the New York Islanders on Tuesday, The Penguins will play the Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals back-to-back on Thursday and Friday. The Penguins have only participated in two division games this season, outscored 10-1 to the Hurricanes and the New York Rangers, and they were unable to produce much in either contest.

With prime Sidney Crosby back performing wonders and breaking more records, as well as their play in the defensive zone, these factors been crucial to their two straight victories over the Montreal Canadiens and Anaheim Ducks, and they must carry over some of that momentum.

According to coach Mike Sullivan, Bryan Rust and Matt Nieto will accompany the team on its forthcoming three-game road trip, which kicks off Tuesday night against the New York Islanders. There are currently no set dates for the potential return to action of Pittsburgh Penguins forwards Bryan Rust and Matt Nieto, who are both out due to injuries.

Nieto, who hasn't played yet this season, has resumed team practices but is still on long-term injured reserve as he nears the end of his recuperation from knee surgery that was done in the offseason.

Rust, who is out week-to-week due to an unidentified injury on regular injured reserve, skated alone on Monday in Cranberry before the Penguins' team practice.

During Monday's practice, the Penguins used the following defensive pairings, lines, and power-play groups:

At Monday's practice, there were also some adjustments made to the lines. Puustinen was replaced by forward Jesse Puljujarvi, who skated on the third line with Noel Acciari and Michael Bunting. Alongside Lars Eller and Drew O'Connor, Cody Glass was promoted to the second line.

Jesse Puljujarvi, who has been scratched for the past two games, is hoping to return.

The Penguins will practice at UBS Arena on Tuesday before leaving for Long Island this afternoon.