Penguins forward Bryan Rust is 'day to day' due to injury

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Bryan Rust will miss Wednesday’s home game against the New York Rangers due to an undisclosed injury.

Coach Mike Sullivan labeled Rust as “day to day” following an optional morning skate at PPG Paints Arena.

Rust has been one of the team’s most productive players this season. In 17 games, he has 16 points (nine goals, seven assists) while averaging 18:45 of ice time per contest.

The absence of Rust coupled with forward Rickard Rakell’s designation to long-term injured reserve for an undisclosed ailment will create a hole on the right side of the team’s top two lines.

Forward Alex Nylander, recalled from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League on Tuesday, figures to slot into the lineup — potentially as a top-six right winger — and make his season debut at the NHL level. In 11 AHL contests this season, Nylander has eight points (five goals, three assists).

“Alex has had a really good start of the season,” Sullivan said. “Alex is another one of those players that we talk about that has the ability to play up our lineup. He has real good offensive instincts. He’s got a great shot. He can help us on the power play. … When he’s on the top of his game, I think he’s one of these guys in my mind that has an NHL game. We’re hoping that Alex can help us.”

Meanwhile, Penguins forward Matt Nieto, who missed Tuesday’s practice at PPG Paints Arena for what was termed as a “maintenance day,” is slated to be available for Wednesday’s lineup.

Forward Vinnie Hinostroza, who missed Sunday’s 3-0 home win against the Vegas Golden Knights due to an undisclosed injury, is also available.

Defenseman John Ludvig, activated from long-term injured reserve Wednesday evening, has been labeled as a “game-time decision.” He has been sidelined since suffering a concussion on Oct. 24.

Notes:

• Forward Jansen Harkins, also summoned from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on Tuesday, was one of the final players off the ice from Tuesday’s optional skate. That typically indicates a player will be scratched.

• Dmitry Samorukov, signed to a one-year, two-way contract on Tuesday, participated in the optional morning skate. Per the NHL’s media Web site, Samorukov, who was previously signed to an AHL contract with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, was officially added to the NHL roster Wednesday evening. He was one of the final players to leave the ice on Wednesday.

• The Penguins are scheduled to start goaltender Tristan Jarry. In 13 games this season, Jarry has a 6-7-0 record, a 2.69 goals-against average, a .910 save percentage and three shutouts.

Throughout his career, Jarry has faced the Rangers in 16 games and has an 8-7-0 record, 2.94 GAA and .899 save percentage.

• The Penguins staged an optional morning skate. Those who participated included:

Forwards – Harkins, Nieto, Nylander, Radim Zohorna

Defensemen – John Luvig, Samorukov, Ryan Shea

Goaltenders – Jarry, Alex Nedlejkovic

Penguins forwards Sidney Crosby and Reilly Smith briefly took to the ice but departed before the morning skate began.

• Rakell is the Penguins’ active “ironman,” having played in 117 consecutive games. His reign will end with Wednesday’s game. Crosby has the second-longest active streak with the team at 109 games. Forward Evgeni Malkin is third with 103.

• The Rangers are expected to start goaltender Jonathan Quick. In six games this season, Quick has a 4-0-1 record, a 1.98 GAA, a .928 save percentage and one shutout.

Throughout his career, Quick has faced the Penguins in 15 games and has a 5-4-5 record, a 2.71 GAA and a .907 save percentage.