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James Neal injury: Penguins F placed on IR, Harry Zolnierczyk recalled from AHL

James Neal has been placed on injured reserve due to an undisclosed upper-body injury.

by Matt Brigidi
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sport
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James Neal injury: Penguins forward placed on injured reserve
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Pittsburgh Penguins forward James Neal has been placed on injured reserve, the team announced on Tuesday morning.

Neal sustained an upper-body injury prior to the team's season opener against the New Jersey Devils. Despite dressing for the game, Neal left the contest in the first period due to the undisclosed issue. The Penguins have yet to identify what is wrong with Neal, but speculation rose that he sustained an oblique strain while playing Wiffle ball. Manager Ray Shero outright denied that claim, calling it 100 percent inaccurate.

Neal is considered week-to-week and has no timetable for a return.

In addition, the club also announced that forward Harry Zolnierczyk had been recalled from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League. Coach Dan Bylsma stated that Zolnierczyk would slot on the right wing with Brandon Sutter and Dustin Jeffrey.

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