Penguins Practice: Kapanen Missing in Action

Pittsburgh Penguins winger Kasperi Kapanen was the only expected player not at practice Friday at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex. There was no immediate explanation for his absence.

Update: Click here for the full news story — The Penguins have waived Kasperi Kapanen.

All other expected players were on the ice, including injured defenseman Jan Rutta (regular jersey) and Mark Friedman (non-contact jersey). Forward Ryan Poehling was not on the ice. He has been hampered by a nagging injury and apparently is not back to skating.

The Penguins, who have lost four straight, are coming off a tough 7-2 loss Thursday against the Edmonton Oilers. They play Saturday afternoon in a national TV game at St. Louis.

Here are the lines and pairings used in practice:

Jake Guentzel-Sidney Crosby-Rickard Rakell

Jason Zucker-Evgeni Malkin-Bryan Rust

Brock McGinn-Jeff Carter-Danton Heinen

Drew O’Connor-Teddy Blueger-Josh Archibald

Brian Dumoulin-Kris Letang

Marcus Pettersson-Jeff Petry

P.O Joseph-Jan Rutta