The Pittsburgh Penguins begin their season with a weakened roster after placing four key players on injured reserve, including forwards with upper- and lower-body injuries as well as a defenseman dealing with a knee issue. While one forward has returned to full-contact practice under a day-to-day designation, others face longer recovery timelines, with two carrying week-to-week assessments. The team’s depth will be tested early as it adjusts to the absence of multiple contributors. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how the lineup reshuffles impact the Penguins’ opening-game performance.

The Pittsburgh Penguins will open the season with a limited lineup. Four Penguins have been placed on injured reserve – forwards Blake Lizotte (upper-body), Justin Brazeau (lower-body), Benjamin Kindel (lower-body) and defenseman Ryan Graves (knee). Lizotte carries a day-to-day designation and returned to full-contact practice on Sunday. Kindel and Brazeau carry week-to-week timelines and Graves […]