Penguins GM Kyle Dubas said Bryan Rust is headed to IR with a week-to-week upper-body injury. Blake Lizotte's status for Wednesday's opener depends on Tuesday's practice. Dubas called the season pivotal and said Pittsburgh aims to close last season's 15-point gap to Carolina.
Dubas said the division standings are key because the top three teams are guaranteed playoff spots. Pittsburgh finished 15 points behind Carolina last season; he said the Penguins need to add quality young players and make tough calls to contend. If they do not gain on Carolina this season, difficult decisions could follow.
Justin Brazeau remains week-to-week on IR. Ryan Graves is on IR indefinitely, with further work needed on a knee operated on over the summer before medical attention for his other knee. Andrei Kuzmenko's father's funeral was held in Russia; the Penguins said they would give him time with family, with a status update still to come.
