NHL Buzz: Rust could return for Penguins against Capitals

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Pittsburgh Penguins

Bryan Rust could return for the Penguins against the Washington Capitals on Friday (7:30 p.m. ET; HULU, ESPN+, SN, TVAS).

Rust took part in an optional morning skate Thursday but did not play in a 5-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes and has missed five games because of a lower-body injury. Normally right wing on one of the top two lines, he has four points (three goals, one assist) in eight games this season.

Rust initially was labeled week to week. He was injured Oct. 26 during the third period of a 4-3 loss at the Vancouver Canucks, favoring his right leg after battling with forward Nils Hoglander along the boards.

"It's always a good feeling when you're able to kind of rejoin the team and get back into somewhat normal things," Rust said Wednesday. "It's been a lot quicker than I expected. I wasn't as optimistic at first. ... I think now they've done a really good job of getting me back into shape. Hopefully things keep going in the right direction." -- Wes Crosby

Washington Capitals

Sonny Milano won't play for the Capitals against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday (7:30 p.m. ET; HULU, ESPN+, SN, TVAS) after the forward sustained an upper-body injury against the Nashville Predators on Wednesday.

Capitals coach Spencer Carbery initially said Milano will be "out for a bit," before correcting himself.

"I don't know timeline," Carbery said. "I shouldn't say that. He's out."

Jakub Vrana will replace Milano in the lineup after being a healthy scratch the past two games. Carbery said Washington likely will recall a forward from Hershey of the American Hockey League to have an extra one on the roster for the trip to play at the St. Louis Blues on Saturday.

Defenseman Jakob Chychrun skated Friday morning in a regular jersey after practicing earlier this week in a noncontact jersey. Although Chychrun remained on the ice for extra work after the morning skate, Carbery didn't rule out him playing against Pittsburgh.

"I'll talk to the training staff and see how it goes," Carbery said. "I'll get an update after he's finished skating, but getting very close." -- Tom Gulitti

Boston Bruins

Andrew Peeke is week to week for the Bruins because of an upper-body injury.

The defenseman was injured during a 4-0 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday. He left at 11:24 of the first period after taking a hit into the corner boards from Maple Leafs forward Max Pacioretty. Peeke went to the locker room and was ruled out for the rest of the game.

Parker Wotherspoon played in Peeke's place alongside Mason Lohrei on Boston's third defense pair during a 4-3 overtime win against the Calgary Flames on Thursday, and is expected to fill in that role for the duration of Peeke's absence.

Bruins coach Jim Montgomery said the team does not plan to recall another defenseman from Providence of the American Hockey League "right now," but a move could be possible in the coming days.

Peeke has two assists in 13 games this season. -- Joe Pohoryles

Vegas Golden Knights

Ilya Samsonov did not travel with the Golden Knights and will miss their game at the Seattle Kraken on Friday (10 p.m. ET; KHN, KING 5, SCRIPPS, KONG, SN, TVAS) because of an undisclosed injury.

The goalie did not play in a 4-3 overtime win against the Utah Hockey Club on Saturday because of soreness or in a 4-2 win against the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday.

Coach Bruce Cassidy said he doesn't expect Samsonov's injury to be long term, and he could play in their game against the Carolina Hurricanes on Monday.

Samsonov is 3-1-1 with a 2.95 goals-against average and .906 save percentage in five games this season.

Adin Hill started against the Oilers with Akira Schmid, who was recalled from Henderson of the American Hockey League on Wednesday, serving as the backup. -- Gerry Moddejonge