Andrew MacDonald misses practice, expected to play Saturday

MacDonald (hip surgery) had skated several days in a row after missing the beginning of training camp as part of his rehab from the surgery six months ago, and today was his first day off the ice in a bit.

Jack Capuano said he's "counting on" MacDonald playing on Saturday in the opener against the Panthers, though. If MacDonald can go, Capuano will have to sit a defenseman; Milan Jurcina practiced for a second straight day.

Nino Niederreiter (groin) did not skate today and is expected to be off the ice for the next few days. The timeline for his return is unknown, but it seems doubtful he'll be fully healed for any of the four home games to start the season.