Carter scored a goal on two shots in a 6-5 win over Boston on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Carter has two goals in his last four contests while having recorded just five shots over that span. The veteran center is firmly cemented in a fourth-line role this season, which could lead to him missing the 30-point threshold for the second consecutive year.

Carter scored the game-winning goal on the power play and added a shorthanded tally in Tuesday's 4-2 win over the Coyotes.

EDGE Analysis

He also chipped in four shots on net, two PIM, two blocked shots, one hit and a plus-1 rating. Carter had only one goal and two points in 20 games coming into Tuesday's contest, so the 38-year-old doesn't seem likely to repeat this offensive outburst any time soon, but if he keeps his spot on the second power-play unit, he could still put together his 19th straight season with double-digit goals.

Carter scored a goal Thursday in a 4-2 win over Tampa Bay.

EDGE Analysis

It was Carter's first goal of the season. He put the Pens up 3-2 in the third period with a shot from the slot off a quick feed from Matt Nieto. Carter has two points (one goal, one assist) in his last three games, but those are the only points he's put up this season. Over the last month, his ice time has mostly hovered in the seven-to-nine minute range, so there's not much opportunity for him to contribute for fantasy managers.

Carter picked up an assist Saturday in a 3-2 win over Toronto.

EDGE Analysis

It was his first point of the season. It was his 14th game. Carter is nearing the sunset of his career, and he's toiling on the Pens' fourth line. Just two seasons ago, he was averaging 17:40 a night. Now, it's 9:46. Carter is no longer a fantasy factor, and it's hard to watch him slide in obscurity.

Carter (lower body) will be in Sunday's lineup against the Golden Knights.

EDGE Analysis

Carter hasn't dressed since Nov. 9, missing the last four contests. The veteran forward has yet to score a point through 10 appearances this season. He'll suit up in a bottom-line role Sunday.

Carter (lower body) isn't in the lineup for Saturday's contest against Carolina.

EDGE Analysis

This will be the Penguins' fourth straight game without Carter. He has no points, two PIM and seven shots in 10 outings this year. When Carter's healthy, he might be used on the fourth line.

Carter (lower body) will miss Thursday's game against New Jersey.

EDGE Analysis

Carter also missed Pittsburgh's previous two contests. He has no points in 10 games this year. When Carter's ready to return, he might take a spot on the Penguins' fourth line.

Carter (lower body) practiced without limitations ahead of Thursday's matchup with New Jersey, Seth Rorabaugh of TribLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Carter could be an option against the Devils if his injury concerns are behind him. Even if Carter is available, he is far from a lock for a spot in the lineup, especially considering he has zero points in 10 outings. If Carter does play, Vinnie HInstroza is the most likely candidate to be dropped from the lineup.

Carter (lower body) won't play Tuesday versus the Blue Jackets.

EDGE Analysis

Carter missed practice Monday, but the Penguins' quick recall and reassignment of Johnny Gruden earlier Tuesday casts doubt on whether Carter is sitting out injured or as a healthy scratch. The 38-year-old Carter has been out of the lineup for three of the previous four games after starting the season scoreless in 10 outings.

Carter was not at Monday's practice session due to an upper-body injury, Pens Inside Scoop reports.

EDGE Analysis

Carter has been scratched in three of the Penguins' last four contests as he continues to find himself on the outside looking in. In fact, Carter's lone appearance during that stretch was when Pittsburgh was playing Carter's former club, the Kings. Even if cleared to play against Columbus on Tuesday, Carter may once again be a healthy scratch in favor of Vinnie Hinostroza.