Letang, Acciari return to practice after some brief injury absences

Kris Letang and Noel Acciari were back at practice Friday in Cranberry and should be good to go Saturday when the Penguins visit the Blues in St. Louis. Coach Mike Sullivan said that he anticipates both will be available to play.

Letang apparently suffered a lower-body injury in Wednesday’s loss in Detroit and a day later was unavailable to practice, as his injury was still being evaluated. He was cleared to practice Friday without any contact restrictions.

Even with Letang back after his brief injury absence, Ryan Shea is still in line to make his NHL debut Saturday. He was paired with Chad Ruhwedel at Friday’s practice. Meanwhile, Pierre-Olivier Joseph was with John Ludvig.

Like Letang, Acciari, who has an upperbody injury, was a full-go at practice.

Their presence at practice was a relief for the Penguins. Both players fill important roles, particularly Letang, who has played at least 24 minutes in each of the first four games. But additionally, the Penguins have very little wiggle room with the salary cap to replace players sidelined by short-term injuries.

The cap was a factor in the Penguins dressing just 11 forwards at Friday’s practice. After waiving Jansen Harkins on Thursday, they didn’t have the flexibility to call up a replacement until they learned whether he cleared waivers. Harkins did, and the winger will report to their American Hockey League club. Taking his place in Pittsburgh is Radim Zohorna. Two weeks ago, it was between Harkins and Zohorna for the final spot on the opening roster. Harkins didn’t make the most of his opportunity. So now Zohorna, who has five goals, 11 points and a plus-15 rating in 35 career games at the NHL level, is back.