Penguins recall Taffe and Stone

The Pittsburgh Penguins have recalled forwards Jeff Taffe and Ryan Stone. Stone, 23, has registered 18 points (six goals, 12 assists) in 28 games for Wilkes-Barre, ranking fourth on the team. His 47 penalty minutes also rank fourth among the Penguins.

Ruslan Fedotenko returned to practice and skated with Evgeni Malkin and Petr Sykora.

The first line remained the same with Crosby centering Dupuis and Satan

Jordan Staal will likely center Matt Cooke and Tim Wallace Thursday night against the Atlanta Thrashers. Don’t be surprised to see Stone get a look on the third line sometime throughout the game.

Taffe centered Ryan Stone and Eric Godard in practice.

I was told Ryan Whitney hasn’t ruled out playing Saturday against the Maple Leafs but December 23rd against the Lightning is the most likely target date. He is slowing improving every day but as of yesterday he hasn’t participated in any contact drills and his skating does not appear to be 100%. He is very close nonetheless

The Pittsburgh Penguins will hold their 23rd annual Make-A-Wish Practice & Party on Friday, December 19 at Mellon Arena. Practice is scheduled for 12:00 pm. Twenty-five Wish children and their families will be treated to practice and a luncheon with the team in the Mellon Arena Igloo Club. After practice, the players will join the children for lunch signing autographs, taking photos and greeting family members.  Each Wish child also receives a goodie bag filled with Penguins’ memorabilia.

The added-value items are the Trib Total Media Penguins Vintage Rally Towel on Jan. 3 vs. Florida; the Consol Energy Penguins Knit Cap Jan. 28 vs. the New York Rangers; and the Verizon Wireless Penguins Vintage Pennant Feb. 6 vs. Columbus.