[UPDATE] Pre-Game Notes (Pittsburgh VS Atlanta)

BRENT JOHNSON
Johnson will be the starting goaltender for tonight's matchup with Atlanta

CHRIS KUNITZ
[UPDATE] LUCA CAPUTI
Caputi will be put on the line with Malkin and Fedotenko and will also see time on the top PP unit (in front of the net)

As previously reported, Kunitz will be undergoing surgery tomorrow and Caputi has been recalled from WB / S to fill the void in the lineup

[UPDATE] SERGEI GONCHAR
the Penguins webpage is now reporting that Gonchar will not be in tonight's lineup against the Thrashers

Gonchar skated before the team got on the ice for this morning's skate, but it's still unknown as to whether or not he'll play tonight; I'll keep you posted

MIKE YEO
assistant coach Yeo remained in the Tampa Bay hospital yesterday after hoping to be released. The organization is still tight-lipped about the medical issue, but they did more tests this morning and are waiting for the results before knowing whether or not he can be released; Bylsma is hoping he can return to the bench for tonight's game, but that would seem unlikely

LINE COMBINATIONS (projected according to the morning skate)
Dupuis-Crosby-Guerin
Caputi-Malkin-Fedotenko
Cooke-Staal-Kennedy
Rupp-Adams/Talbot-Godard

Letang-Orpik
Eaton-Goligoski
McKee-Skoula

Fleury Johnson in goal

Atlanta Injury / Line Info
Kari Lehtonen (G), back surgery; second in four months - there's been no time given for his return, but he has started skating again
Mark Popovic (D), broken foot - remains out of the lineup until later this month