Pre-Game Buzz: Martin returns to the lineup, expected to be paired with Orpik

PENGUINS (48-23-5, 101 pts) @ JETS (34-33-10, 78 pts)

“Paul Martin will play for our team tonight,” head coach Dan Bylsma confirmed to reporters after the Penguins morning skate.

Martin set to appear in his first game since February 7th, will be paired with Brooks Orpik.

“I don’t think we’re going to expect Paul Martin and Brooks Orpik at 100 percent as a pair, he’s {just} getting back in there,” Bylsma said of Martin. “I think it’s a good chance for him {Paul Martin} to play some games before playoffs come around. It’s going to be good to get him back in there in a lot of different situations.”

Among the different situations, Martin will play the point on the top power play unit with Matt Niskanen.

“I felt good last couple days practicing with team,” Martin told reporters. “I think we’re right on schedule with what the doctors said with the timeframe.”

“Part of the reason I kind of wanted to push, and get some games in before the playoffs to shake off some rust and get back into timing and everything….It’s good that we have six games before the playoffs,” Martin said.

— Marc Andre Fleury will start in goal. Fleury is 14-12-2 on the road this season. He is 16-5-0 in his career vs the Jets/Thrashers franchise.

— Bylsma said today that he see’s a significant difference in Winnipeg since the coaching change to Paul Maurice. “I think there’s considerable difference….. Structure wise and what they do on the ice,” Bylsma said.

— Kris Letang did make the trip to Winnipeg and continues to a full participant on the ice.