Brooks Orpik (upper body) has yet to be cleared medically for game action but will visit a doctor Thursday and remains hopeful he will be able to play in Game 1 against the Penguins, Tom Gulitti of NHL.com reports.

Orpik (upper body) has yet to be cleared medically for game action, but will visit a doctor Thursday and remains hopeful he will be able to play in Game 1 against the Penguins, Tom Gulitti of NHL.com reports.

Analysis:

Orpik spent much of the season sidelined due to a lower-body injury, but returned in mid-February and finished with a relatively productive 10 points in 41 games this season. His newest ailment dates back to Game 3 of the first-round series against the Flyers, when he exited with what was deemed an upper-body injury. He reportedly donned the normal dark blue uniform Tuesday, indicating he's been cleared for contact, but it remains to be seen whether he'll gain medical clearance ahead of Game 1. Expect another update on his status come game day.