Forward Max Talbot's status for the Penguins' game at Columbus on Saturday is questionable after he did not finish practice today because of a bruised left foot.
Talbot was injured during a deflection drill, his inner left skate boot catching a shot from left wing Matt Cooke about 40 minutes into a practice at Southpointe Iceoplex.
He was not available for comment, but coach Dan Bylsma said he would travel to Columbus with the team and be re-evaluated by doctors. Bylsma described Talbot's left foot as “bruised.”
Cooke, who expressed dismay for his involvement with the injury, described the sequence as “just bad luck.”
The Penguins might recall a player from AHL affiliate Wilkes-Barre/Scranton for precautionary reasons, Bylsma said. They would have 12 forwards available for the game at Columbus only if center Evgeni Malkin can play.
Malkin didn't practice today after he played only 16 minutes and 26 seconds Thursday night in a home win over Atlanta. Malkin was injured (undisclosed) during that game, Bylsma said.
Defenseman Brooks Orpik also missed practice because of illness, though he is expected to play at Columbus.
The Penguins have won eight straight games and are on a 10-0-1 run.
