Penguins won't rule Staal out after surgery for lacerated tendon in right foot

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - Pittsburgh Penguins centre Jordan Staal has had surgery on his right foot, but coach Dan Bylsma is hopeful he'll be back during the playoffs.

The Selke Trophy finalist as the league's best defensive forward was cut by the skate of Canadiens defenceman P.K. Subban during a collision near the Pittsburgh blueline midway through the Penguins' 6-3 victory in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series.

After the game, Staal underwent a procedure to repair a lacerated tendon in his foot.

Early reports said Staal could miss the rest of the post-season, but Bylsma termed his status as "day to day" and said he's "not out for the remainder of the playoffs."

The 21-year-old has never missed a game due to injury in his career, but that streak will likely end with Game 2 on Sunday.