Penguins Veteran Forward Misses Practice

The Pittsburgh Penguins had just one surprise absence from their most recent practice.

PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Penguins returned to the ice following a big win against the Carolina Hurricanes for a full-team practice. As the whistle blew to begin the workout, the only expected absence was forward Reilly Smith.

Smith’s absence was surprising since he didn’t miss any time against the Hurricanes. He played 23 shifts and just under 17 minutes of ice time.

Head coach Mike Sullivan confirmed following the practice that Smith missed for personal reasons. Sullivan stated that Smith and his wife are expecting the birth of their second child.

Without Smith on the ice, the Penguins rotated the faces on their third line, with Emil Bemstrom and Jeff Carter taking reps. Bemstrom was a healthy scratch against the Hurricanes, while Carter has missed four straight games with an upper-body injury.

Carter noted before the game that he is trending in the right direction. Sullivan later stated that Carter would be a game-time decision against the Hurricanes but didn't suit up. Carter was a full participant at the most recent practice.

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