Penguins Injury Updates: Carter & Blueger OUT, Guentzel Feels Better

The Pittsburgh Penguins morning skate had a few tidbits of news that could help the club snap its six-game winless streak Saturday against the Seattle Kraken, but the Penguins will remain without Jeff Carter and Teddy Blueger, who both skated on Saturday morning.

Jake Guentzel returned after a one-day absence due to illness. Coach Mike Sullivan said Guentzel is feeling much better but stopped short of saying he would play.

Sullivan termed Guentzel and Josh Archibald as game-time decisions (both were absent on Friday).

Blueger has been a full participant in the Penguins’ practices this week. However, he had not yet played this season after suffering an upper-body injury. Carter was injured early in the game against the Seattle Kraken last Saturday. Drew O’Connor pivoted the third line in his absence against the Boston Bruins and Buffalo Sabres.

Blueger can remain on LTIR.

Carter and Blueger lingered on the ice and did not return to the locker room in time to speak to the media Saturday morning. By placing Blueger on LTIR, GM Ron Hextall opened enough cap space to call up Sam Poulin and Drake Caggiula, who has since returned to the WBS Penguins. Activating Blueger would necessitate the Penguins to send one player to the WBS Penguins.

Jeff Carter, 37, has six points (2-4-6) in nine games.

Guentzel has eight points (5-3-8) in seven games.

The Pittsburgh Penguins host the Seattle Kraken Saturday night at PPG Paints Arena. Get the Penguins pregame here. The puck drops just after 7 p.m.