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Maatta out with ‘upper-body injury,’ Pouliot could draw in

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Brooks Orpik is given a minor interference penalty for a late, high hit on Olli Maatta. Maatta was assisted to the bench for evaluation.

Penguins coach Mike Sullivan opted not to name Olli Maatta’s replacement tonight, but there’s reason to believe it will be Derrick Pouliot.

According to Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston, Justin Schultz -- the other option to take Maatta’s spot on Pittsburgh’s blue line -- stayed out for a long skate this morning, typically a sign that a player won’t play that night.

Whether it’s Pouliot or Schultz, we won’t know for sure until this evening. Sullivan would only say that Maatta, the victim of a suspension-worthy Brooks Orpik hit on Saturday, would miss Game 3 against the Capitals.

“Maatta will not play tonight,” the coach said. “He is out with an upper-body injury. The rest of the lineup will be a game-time decision.”

Pouliot, 22, has not yet played in the postseason. His last appearance was on April 9 in Pittsburgh’s last game of the regular season.

Related: Brooks Orpik suspended three games for hit on Olli Maatta