Morning skate update: Kostitsyn "doubtful"; Erat in

After calling Sergei Kostitsyn probable at yesterday's practice, Barry Trotz was singing a different tune after today's morning skate.

"Sergei is doubtful for tonight," Trotz said. Kostitsyn skated with the rest of the team at today's optional morning skate, but left the ice about halfway through. Kostitsyn sustained a lower-body injury during the third period of Thursday's game.

Martin Erat, however, will be in the lineup according the Barry Trotz. Trotz said Erat will slide right into Kostitsyn's place in the lineup, likely alongside Fisher and Smith.

More notes from today's morning skate after the jump:

• While Kostitsyn is doubtful for tonight's game, Trotz confirmed that SK47 would make the upcoming road trip with the rest of the team.
• Brian McGrattan was actually making a few nice plays this morning. Later in the locker room, Geoffrion joked around, calling him Gordie Howe. "I can show some people some stuff if needed," McGrattan joked afterwards.
• Erat said he feels like he's ready to go and won't be holding anything back. "If I wasn't ready, I wouldn't be playing tonight."

Be sure to check out our game preview and Craig Smith feature while you're waiting on the puck to drop! You can also follow along with my updates from throughout the day on twitter.