The one-win Penguins made their first significant moves of the season today when defenseman Ryan Whitney and center Erik Christensen were recalled from Wilkes-Barre of the American Hockey League.

Whitney was paired with Steve Poapst and Christensen skated on a line with Ryan Malone and Ziggy Palffy at practice. Each will make his NHL debut tomorrow night when the Penguins play at New Jersey, the start of a five-game road trip.

"They're going to get thrown right in head-first," coach Eddie Olczyk said. "Both guys are going to get the opportunity to play, and play a lot."

Christensen, 21, ranked third in the AHL with 19 points (nine goals, 10 assists). Whitney, 22, led all AHL defensemen with five goals and 14 points.

The Penguins are 1-5-5 nearly a month into the season.