Pens Practice Notes: Asham working his way back into game shape

Monday Practice Notes

-- The Penguins continue to inch closer to getting back to full on the heels of the Sidney Crosby news this morning.

-- Forward Arron Asham who has been sidelined since Feb 1, as expected, participated fully in today's practice and his availability to return to the lineup is imminent. Asham said he is working his way back into game shape and will be an option to play by the weekend.

However, as mentioned last week, Asham faces obstacles in getting back into the top-12 as the Penguins roster is getting full.

It remains to be seen if the staff will look to open him up a spot.

-- Elsewhere on the injury front, Mike Comrie continues to progress and is skating extremely hard during individual wortkouts. He's very close to be cleared to practice with the team. But, it's hard to envision a scenario where he gets a strong look from the coaching staff to crack the top-12.

-- The Penguins will recall a defenseman or maybe two {defensemen}, depending on the health of Kris Letang for their trip to Ottawa this afternoon.