Rust took part in Pittsburgh's optional morning skate Wednesday, one day after missing its optional practice. After leaving the ice well after most of his teammates, he said he felt better than he did Tuesday.
After being hit by Sharks forward Patrick Marleau 4:47 into the third period of Game 1 on Monday, Rust exited the game for several minutes before returning for one shift and leaving again.
Rust, who will remain at right wing alongside center Evgeni Malkin and left wing Chris Kunitz, has scored six goals in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the most by a rookie in Penguins history, after scoring five in 55 regular-season games over two seasons. He has scored four goals in his past three games, including the first goal of Game 1 and each of Pittsburgh's goals in its 2-1 Game 7 win against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Eastern Conference Final.
