There was a funny vibe around the Penguins locker room after practice on Tuesday. They held another morning practice at the arena before taking the rest of the morning to unwind or workout.
Things seemed pretty normal when I talked to coach Hynes and several players about tonight's game, but when I asked them about the lockout it was a little different.
It's not that Hynes and the players weren't willing to talk - they answered every question and were very open, it's just that they still felt shrouded in the uncertainty that has plagued the season since opening day.
For the last three-and-a-half months no one knew when the lockout would end or if there'd even be an NHL season.
That was a period of uncertainty.
And now that the lockout is on the verge of ending, the players are dealing with another wave of uncertainty - who is going to go up, and when?
Robert Bortuzzo said yesterday he's in the dark about the matter and is just worrying about tonight's game.
Brian Strait said there's a lot of unknowns out there right now.
What is known is that the WBS Penguins could be dealt a significant blow depending on who Pittsburgh brings up. Right now its looking like leading scorer Beau Bennett will get a shot, along with Eric Tangradi and Robert Bortuzzo. I wouldn't be surprised if Strait goes up as well.
And chances are if Tangradi, Strait and Bortuzzo do go up we won't see them in Wilkes-Barre again. They'd have to clear waivers to come back, and I wouldn't be surprised if another club claims them.
But it's unknown if that would happen just yet.
Just add it to the list, I guess.