The Penguins could receive confirmation today or tomorrow that they will open the 2008-09 season with two games in Stockholm, Sweden.

That subject is believed to be on the agenda for the league's Board of Governors meetings in Pebble Beach, Calif. Primary owners Mario Lemieux and Ron Burkle and general manager Ray Shero will represent the Penguins there.

Barring a snag in plans for the Stockholm games, which apparently would pit them against Ottawa, the Penguins are a top candidate to compete in the Victoria Cup tournament in Europe during the final days of the preseason.

That will be the inaugural Victoria Cup, the field of which is supposed to include one NHL club, the winner of the European Champions Cup and at least one other team from Europe. The tournament champion will receive $822,000.

The Penguins initially were in line to open next season with a two-game series against Tampa Bay in Prague, Czech Republic, but the New York Rangers -- who have a major Czech presence in their lineup -- are expected to face the Lightning there.

Injury updates

Defenseman Sergei Gonchar, who missed the third period of the Penguins' 5-0 victory Saturday against Atlanta because of a sore groin, skated before practice yesterday and has not ruled out playing when the Penguins face Dallas at 7:38 p.m. tomorrow at Mellon Arena.

Whether he actually can, Gonchar said, will be "a game-time decision."

"Obviously, we hope to [have him for the Stars' game]," assistant coach Mike Yeo said.

"But, at the same time, we don't want to rush him, don't want to put him in a situation where we could lose him for a long period of time."

The prognosis for center Maxime Talbot, out the past week by a high ankle sprain, is not nearly as encouraging as Gonchar's.

Talbot planned to skate yesterday, but did not because of lingering pain. He said he hopes to play during the four-game road trip that begins Wednesday in Edmonton, but there is no guarantee he will be able to.

"I don't know [when he'll resume playing]," Talbot said.

"I was supposed to skate [yesterday] and couldn't. You're supposed to be pain-free before you go. ... I need to practice first."

Crosby the checker

Sidney Crosby is better known for his hands than his hips, but he threw a pretty nice hip check on Senators defenseman Anton Volchenkov in the Penguins' 6-5 shootout victory in Ottawa a week ago.

Although that has become something of a lost art in the NHL, Crosby executed it efficiently and clearly did not just add it to his repertoire that evening.

"It was basically all I had to do because my feet were facing the other way," Crosby said. "So I kind of backed up into him."

Crosby, it should be noted, appreciates the dangers such a hit can pose to the recipient.

"If you get too close to the knees, it can be kind of a dirty play," he said. "You don't want to use it on bigger guys and get too low on them."

Slap shots

Goalie Marc-Andre Fleury's defenders no longer can use him being a 22-year-old to explain any on-ice lapses he might experience. He turned 23 yesterday. ... The Penguins will hold their 15th annual "Toys for Tots" drive tomorrow. Fans bringing a new, unwrapped toy or making a cash donation when entering Mellon Arena will be eligible to win autographed Penguins memorabilia. Contributions will be collected from 6:30 p.m. through the first five minutes of the game.