"The opening night for NHL hockey in Pittsburgh won`t include the Penguins` two great centers and their team-conscience defenseman.

Evgeni Malkin (undisclosed lower-body injury), Sidney Crosby (concussion) and Brooks Orpik (abdominal) will not play for the Penguins against the Florida Panthers at Consol Energy Center tonight.

Orpik, who has yet to play this season after re-aggravating an injury that required offseason surgery, will miss a fourth straight game. He did not participate in a morning practice.

Malkin did practice, but was the first player to leave the ice. His injury is not considered long term, coach Dan Bylsma said today."