PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) — Defensemen Kris Letang and Zbynek Michalek are both out tonight as they continue to battle injuries suffered Saturday night at Montreal.

Letang has a broken nose and a virus. He was blindsided by Max Pacioretty in the third period Saturday and, despite returning and scoring the game-winning goal in overtime of that game, hasn’t played since.

The team wants him to take a concussion test, but he can’t until he overcomes his virus, Penguins coach Dan Bylsma said after Wednesday’s practice.

“He felt fine for a couple of days, skated with us after being evaluated,” Bylsma said. “He started to get some symptoms in New York (on Tuesday).

“He also has a virus … so there are some other things going on there with Kris. He’s not even to the point where he can take a (concussion) test.”

Michalek also suffered a hit to the head. He, however, has since passed a concussion test. Bylsma said Michalek is trying to rid himself of every last symptom from the hit, which happened late in the third period Saturday.

“He can’t be cleared (to play) because he has a symptom, still,” Bylsma said. “It’s really precautionary at this point.”

With both players ruled out, the Penguins have called up defenseman Simon Despres from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. He will make his NHL debut tonight against the Capitals.

RELATED LINKS
Penguins news
NHL news
CBS Penguins
Shea-ved Ice Blog