Practice Report

Beau Bennett did not practice with the Penguins today, and was being evaluated for a “lower body injury” according to Coach Mike Johnston.

Johnston said there was no information yet on whether or not the injury was a minor or serious one after Bennett got hit last night in the second period and left the bench briefly.

“He didn’t practice today. The trainers kept him off. There going to evaluate him today,” said Johnston. “We’ll sort of see where he’s at. Lower body injury. He did come back as you saw in the third period. I just didn’t feel he was really ready to play full out. We’ll see over the next 24 hours where he is.”

For what it’s worth, Bennett appeared to hurt his right knee Monday night. It was his left knee he injured during training camp. 

Of NOTE: 

***Nick Spaling and Patric Hornqvist skated on the top line at practice today with Sidney Crosby, after joining him Monday night against the Bruins in an effort to spark some offense.

Chris Kunitz skated on Evgeni Malkin’s line.

***Pascal Dupuis’ new role on the Penguins is still to be determined. Johnston said the packed schedule has not allowed for any in depth conversations yet. 

“I talked to him briefly this morning but because of our schedule the last few days I told him we’ll connect over the next few days,” said Johnston.

***Players said they were not surprised Forbes Magazine gave a nod their fans Tuesday, ranking Penguins fans the best in the NHL. 

“Pittsburgh is a great sports city. All three major sports, the fans get extremely involved,” said Chris Kunitz. “In the arena, but also when you’re out about town fans are very intrigued and interested in the team and how everybody is doing. They’ll give you your space, but are fanatics. [They] really enjoy it and really rally around everyone in Pittsburgh.”