Letang out Friday, maybe more, with injury

The Penguins will be without Kris Letang again Friday night against the visiting Kings, but it'll be a new issue holding him out.

Letang sustained an upper-body injury two nights ago in the 4-2 victory over the Avalanche, Mike Johnston said after the team's morning skate Friday at Consol Energy Center. That had not been previously disclosed, nor had it been suspected given that Letang logged 22:51 of ice time and finished that game.

Johnston wouldn't specify how long Letang might be out, but he added he could be out for "the next little bit."



Letang's spot in the lineup will be taken by Rob Scuderi, Johnston said. David Warsofsky, who impressed management and the coaching staff on the just-completed four-game western road trip with his propensity for shooting, was quarterbacking the top power-play unit at the morning skate. Judging by the way players came off the ice at the skate, Adam Clendening will be scratched for a fifth consecutive game.

"Especially without Tanger, it's going to be important that we stay active on defense," Johnston said. "I thought the game in Colorado was the most active I've seen our defense all season, and we need to keep it that way."

Marc-Andre Fleury will start a fifth consecutive game. Jonathan Quick will start for Los Angeles.

Also, Pascal Dupuis will not be in the building tonight. He asked to have the weekend free with his family. He will be at Consol for the Monday game against the Capitals, and it can be expected that the team will recognize his achievements during the first period of that one.