The Penguins are hoping for a big push from Bryan Rust against the Maple Leafs

The Pittsburgh Penguins will look to make it back-to-back when they take on the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena on Saturday night, and they could have a big part of the offense in the tilt. Bryan Rust is listed as a game-time decision, but the veteran was a full participant in practice before the Eastern Conference clash.

Rust missed much of the preseason and did not play in either of Pittsburgh’s first two games of 2024-25. But he looked no worse for wear Saturday, back in his traditional spot on the wing for Sidney Crosby. Anthony Beauvillier was the third member of the line.

Rust also lined up with the top powerplay group in place of Rickard Rakell, joining a unit with four other veterans in Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang and Erik Karlsson.

While neither Rust nor head coach Mike Sullivan would confirm the forward’s status, all indications are that he will be back on the roster come Hockey Night in Canada.

The 32-year-old has been day-to-day in recent weeks as he recovers from an upper-body injury. He was placed on IR at the start of the season, but it looks like it will be a short stay for the Pontiac, Michigan native. The Penguins have an open roster spot, so they won’t have to make any moves if he’s actually cleared to play.

Last season, Rust was one of Pittsburgh’s most productive forwards, racking up 28 goals and 56 points in just 62 games. He’ll look to pick up where he left off Saturday against the Leafs in Ontario.

The Penguins spoiled the Red Wings’ home opener on Thursday

After losing their first game of the season in heartbreaking fashion — a 5-0 loss to the President’s Trophy-winning New York Rangers — the Penguins got back on track Thursday, beating the Detroit Red Wings 6- 4.

It was the first game of the season for Detroit and a straight set for Pittsburgh. Now 1-1 in the 2024-25 campaign, the Penguins will look to continue the momentum in Ontario’s capital.

“We faced some adversity right away, so it was nice to be able to play again tonight and get right back at it,” Crosby said after the win, per NHL.com’s Dave Hogg . “I thought we were a lot hungrier in net than we were (against Rangers).”

“I thought we played a much better team game tonight, but Joel (Blomqvist) made some key saves early that gave us a chance to hang on,” Sullivan echoed. “He let us settle into the game and get the tying goal.”

Blomqvist was outstanding Thursday, making 29 saves on 32 shots to help the Penguins win their first game of the season. It will be the 22-year-old between the pipes against the Leafs, and it looks like he could have claimed the net from starter Tristan Jarry.

Puck leaves just after 7 pm ET from Scotiabank Arena.