Carl Hagelin of Penguins out for Game 7 vs. Capitals

WASHINGTON, DC – Pittsburgh Penguins winger Carl Hagelin was a surprise scratch for Game 7 against the Washington Capitals.

Hagelin didn’t take part in an optional skate on Wednesday morning at Verizon Center.

Jason Mackey of the Post-Gazette suspected that something might be up with Hagelin when Scott Wilson, a forward who’s played in only two of the six games against the Capitals, came off the ice quickly during the morning skate.

“That tells me either Carl Hagelin isn’t completely healthy, or it’s strictly Sullivan’s call, the belief that Wilson gives them more,” wrote Mackey.

Coach Mike Sullivan doesn’t disclose his lineups before game time.

Hagelin has one goal in five playoff games, scored in the Penguins’ Game 5 loss in Washington. He was scoreless in Game 6, playing just 9:19 and failing to register a shot on goal – despite Sullivan reuniting him with HBK Line mates Nick Bonino and Phil Kessel.

Hagelin had a goal and two assists skating with them in eliminating the Capitals in Game 6 last postseason.

Defensemen Trevor Daley and Mark Streit were also scratches for the Penguins, while goalie Matt Murray returned to the lineup as a backup to Marc-Andre Fleury.

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Greg Wyshynski is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Contact him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or find him on Twitter. His book, TAKE YOUR EYE OFF THE PUCK, is available on Amazon and wherever books are sold.

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