"Conor is a really good player, he's not an easy guy to replace," coach Mike Sullivan told the Penguins website Thursday. "He brings a certain dimension to our team. I think that helps us win games. But certainly we have capable people. We have capable guys that we can plug in that give us an opportunity to continue to win games. We have some versatility with our wings that I think is part of the strength of this team."
Bryan Rust, who scored two goals as the fourth-line right wing against the Sharks, is likely to take Sheary's spot when the Penguins host the Washington Capitals on Friday (7 p.m. ET; SN, TVA Sports, AATSN-PT, NBCSWA, NHL.TV). Rust skated with Crosby and Simon at practice Thursday.
"That's definitely something I am proud of and it's something I think allows me to help this team best I can," Rust said. "I just need to be aware of more of those little passing plays and being ready all over the ice, because playing with Sid and Dom, those guys make plays pretty much anywhere on the ice."
Ryan Reaves skated on the fourth line. Forward Carter Rowney, who has missed 11 games with an upper-body injury, returned to practice wearing a non-contact jersey.
