"When Jordan Staal plays his first game this season, it will be something of a test. After all, the Penguins' center never had missed a regular-season game before a foot infection and hand surgery forced him to sit out all 39 of his team's games so far.

Whether that test comes tonight in the outdoor Winter Classic against Washington remains to be seen -- coach Dan Bylsma called it a game-time decision, and Staal said he did not know -- but he faced a different difficult task Friday at the end of the Penguins' practice on the outdoor rink at Heinz Field.

Staal lost the team shootout competition. His penance was to climb to the top of the north end zone stands and touch a particular section number sign. He could not remember the last time he tackled an uphill hike like that.

"Definitely a long time," Staal said. "It was probably the best thing [that I was the one because] I'm probably the least in shape."

Staal said he would gather opinions and meet with team officials before a decision is made about his return to the lineup."