PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) — Penguins defensemen Kris Letang and Matt Niskanen will not play tonight at the New York Islanders as both continue to recover from injuries.

Niskanen has missed the last three games with an upper-body injury. Letang was injured Sunday and sat out Tuesday night against the Islanders at Consol Energy Center with a lower-body injury.

Penguins coach Dan Bylsma said neither will travel to New York and both will continue skating on their own in Pittsburgh.

Forward Joe Vitale returned to practice Wednesday and will make the trip to New York, though he’s not expected to play tonight. He’s missed the last five games with an upper-body injury.

“Kris Letang was not on the ice. Is still day-to-day with a lower-body injury,” Bylsma said, according to the Penguins official website. “Joey V. was back in full practice today. Getting into some battling areas, but don’t think he’s ready to get back into a game just yet. Matt Niskanen is still skating on his own, and will be skating on his own through these two road games.”

Goaltender Brent Johnson participated in a  full-team practice Wednesday and acted as the team’s backup with Brad Thiessen serving as a thrid goalie.

Marc-Andre Fleury was in practice Wednesday and re-stated that he has no injury from a hit to the head Tuesday night.

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