The Pittsburgh Penguins will have to finish their meeting against the Columbus Blue Jackets down a defender.

PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Penguins enter the third period with the Columbus Blue Jackets tied at two, but will have to finish the contest down a blue liner. Ryan Graves did not come out with the rest of the Penguins to start the second period. Same went for the third period, all be sealing his absence for the rest of the night.

The Penguins have not made an announcement regarding his departure, but Graves hasn’t taken a shift since the first period. Graves accumulated 5:27 of ice time in seven shifts all in the opening period.

Without Graves, the workload for Marcus Pettersson and P.O. Joseph has increased and will continue to rise in the third frame.

Graves missed a pair of games during the Penguins’ recent road trip due to personal reasons. He returned in the Penguins win against the Carolina Hurricanes and was a solid piece to have back in the lineup.

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