Ponikarovsky

PITTSBURGH — Newly acquired forward Alex Ponikarovsky won't play for the Penguins against the Rangers in New York tonight because he lacks a U.S. work visa.

Because Ponikarovsky became a Canadian citizen while playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs, the process for obtaining the work visa should take only a couple of days. A native of the Ukraine, he could play for Pittsburgh during Saturday's home game against Dallas.

The visa is required when a citizen of another country accepts employment in the United States.

The Penguins acquired Ponikarovsky from the Maple Leafs Tuesday night for prospect Luca Caputi and defenseman Martin Skoula, who subsequently was traded to New Jersey for a fifth-round draft pick.