Skate report: Poehling to draw in for injured Blueger taken at PPG Paints Arena (Penguins)

PENGUINS

Ryan Poehling

Although he's been back skating with the team, Teddy Blueger, who has been out for two weeks with an upper-body injury, will not be available for the Penguins' regular-season opener Thursday night against the Coyotes here at PPG Paints Arena.

Blueger participated in Thursday's optional morning skate, albeit once again in a gray non-contact jersey. Following the skate, Mike Sullivan said Blueger's status has not changed.

Following practice on Wednesday, Blueger spoke with the media for the first time since his injury occurred. Blueger said he's not exactly sure how long it might be before he takes the next step in his return to play and that, while he hasn't had a setback, he's been frustrated with the healing process.

Because the Penguins have only 13 forwards on the roster, that means Ryan Poehling will draw into the lineup as the Penguins' No. 4 center, stationed between Brock McGinn and Josh Archibald.

Poehling had an intriguing training camp and preseason, as he displayed an energetic motor and an ability to create chances in tight and play through contact. He also figures to see some work on the penalty kill.

This will be the first time in his career that Poehling dresses for a season-opener.

MORE FROM THE SKATE

Tristan Jarry was the first goalie off the ice at morning skate, a telltale sign that he's getting the nod in goal Thursday night, as if that wasn't blatantly obvious to begin with. Sullivan confirmed after the skate that Jarry will start against the Coyotes.

• Here are the players who participated in the optional skate: Jeff Carter, Rickard Rakell, Poehling, Josh Archibald, Blueger (non-contact), Marcus Pettersson, P.O Joseph, Jan Rutta, Jeff Petry, Chad Ruhwedel, Jarry and Casey DeSmith.

Todd Reirden, Mike Vellucci and Ty Hennes ran the optional skate. Goalie coach Andy Chiodo spent the entirety of the skate working with DeSmith.

• There really isn't a whole lot that goes on at morning skates. It's really just all about keeping the players loose and giving them an opportunity to get that necessary "feel" for things earlier in the day.

• I know I've brought it up several times now, but I just can't help but be enamored with Rakell's shot. It's so heavy and so crisp. Before the skate began, Hennes was feeding passes to Rakell at the circle for Rakell to take quick wrist or snap shots. Every single one of Rakell's shots went bar-down or off the post and in. Even in a practice setting, I could watch Rakell rip it all day long.

• Sullivan was extremely pleased with how short his post-skate presser was on Thursday morning. After just a couple of questions, Sullivan walked out with a giant smile on his face.

• It sure is great to have hockey back. Taylor Haase and I will have your coverage of the game. Follow along with us throughout the game in our live file.

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