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Skate update -- Nov. 9

Shelly Anderson 10 years ago

The Penguins had not been doing line rushes at morning skates recently. They did those today in St. Louis, but they might not have been as revealing as they looked.

James Neal was in his customary spot on the right wing with Evgeni Malkin and Jussi Jokinen, with Beau Bennett slotting in a little in that right wing spot. Both players are injured, and coach Dan Bylsma was not tipping his hand about the lineup, but we are expecting Bennett to be in the lineup with Neal remaining out despite the look of the line rushes.

Defenseman Paul Martin, who missed some practice recently but was expected to play, will not. He did not participate in the morning skate and Bylsma confirmed that he "will not be available" to play against the Blues. Deryk Engelland skated in Martin's spot with Brooks Orpik at the morning workout.

One other lineup change we expect is that winger Matt D'Agostini, a former Blues player, will return after sitting out four games. It looks as if Dustin Jeffrey will be a scratch.

As expected, Marc-Andre Fleury will start in goal for the Penguins. Jaroslav Halak is expected to start for St. Louis.

The lines:

Chris Kunitz-Sidney Crosby-Chris Kunitz

Jussi Jokinen-Evgeni Malkin-James Neal/Beau Bennett

Tanner Glass-Brandon Sutter-Matt D'Agostini

Craig Adams-Joe Vitale-Jayson Megna