Penguins Practice: Rakell Skates Early; Zucker Participates

After sustaining a hard hit that left him woozy and escorted off the ice in Game 1, Pittsburgh Penguins winger Rickard Rakell skated Friday morning with skills and conditioning coach Ty Hennes.

As much as can be discerned from Penguins practice Friday at PPG Paints Arena, the team’s lineup Saturday could remain the same. Or not. As it turns out, the practice was optional, so line combinations and defense pairings could not be determined.

Game 3 of the team’s tied first-round playoff series against the New York Rangers Saturday in Pittsburgh.

One thing that did stand out was the lack of injured players. Only second-line winger Jason Zucker practiced.

Rickard Rakell skating:

The injury list also includes top-pairing defenseman Brian Dumoulin, No. 1 goaltender Tristan Jarry and No. 2 goaltender Casey DeSmith. None were on the ice.

Jarry and Zucker came into the series injured. Jarry, who has a suspected broken foot, reportedly is out of his orthopedic boot.

Zucker was a game-time decision for Game 2 Thursday, so it was something of a surprise he did not play. Coach Mike Sullivan said only that that circumstance indicated that Zucker is close to returning.

We hope to get updates on all injured players after practice from Sullivan, who also was not on the ice.