Monday’s Practice Notes
Pittsburgh Penguins center Jordan Staal appears ready to return to the lineup Wednesday night against the Dallas Stars.
Staal opened up today’s practice skating on a line with wingers Mike Comrie and Tyler Kennedy on the second line.
Staal’s straight forward speed has looked outstanding and the only area where he doesn’t appear 100% percent is with his lateral skating but it’s not an issue by any means.
While it looks like Staal will be given clearance to play on Wednesday, it remains to be seen if Evgeni Malkin will join him on the ice against Dallas.
Malkin (knee) missed today’s practice due to a knee bruise. An update on Malkin will come from the team after practice.
Also missing from today’s practice is team leading defenseman Kris Letang who his nursing a right wrist injury.
With Staal back on the ice in a regular role, and Malkin missing, here’s how the lines shaped up:

Kunitz – Crosby – Dupuis
Comrie – Staal – Kennedy
Cooke – Letestu – Asham
Rupp – Adams – Talbot/Godard