"Hockey teams have a colorful history of distorting the truth about injuries, but Penguins coach Dan Bylsma made it clear Friday that center Jordan Staal really did leave Thursday night's season opener at Vancouver with cramps related to dehydration.

"I can try honesty if you'd like," Bylsma said after practice at Scotiabank Saddledome, which Staal did not participate in. "I tried it (Thursday), and I'll try it again. He cramped in the game (Thursday) night. That's why he didn't finish the game. The best thing for him is getting on the bike (Friday), and he'll be ready to go (tonight against the Flames).""