Penguins forward Bryan Rust sidelined, replaced by defenseman Juuso Riikola

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Penguins forward Bryan Rust is absent from the lineup for Friday’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena due to an apparent injury.

During the early stages of the morning skate Rust tumbled into the boards feet-first and limped to the bench before retreating to the dressing room. A few minutes later, he returned to the ice and participated in a drill with the top power-play unit.

Rust was not available to reporters and could be seen walking through the dressing room in street clothes with a slight limp.

When asked if there was concern over Rust being available for the game, coach Mike Sullivan said Rust would “be fine” following the morning skate.

An official reason for Rust’s absence from Friday’s contest was not immediately provided by the team.

Rust’s absence deprives the Penguins of one of their most potent offensive weapons. In only 14 games this season, he has 17 points (nine goals, eight assists) while primarily playing on a top line with Jake Guentzel and Evgeni Malkin over the past handful of games.

With Rust sidelined, the team recalled forward Joseph Blandisi from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the AHL for the third time this season. He was not in the lineup either, presumably due to the logistics of traveling from Northeast Pennsylvania to Central Ohio with only a few hours of notice.

A team spokesperson declined to provide an official reason for Blandisi’s absence when asked prior to the game.

Blandisi has played in nine NHL games this season and recorded two points (one goal, one assist). In 10 AHL contests, he has six points.

With Blandisi and Rust each absent, the team dressed defenseman Juuso Riikola as a forward. He manned the right wing of the fourth line with Alex Galchenyuk at left wing and Sam Lafferty at center. This was the fourth game this season Riikola had been used as a forward.

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