Penguins/NHL
Thursday Practice Notes
Arron Asham (concussion) returned to practice as a full participant on Monday and today, forward Mike Comrie (hip) has been officially cleared to practice with the team.
Comrie who has been sidelined since December after undergoing hip surgery, has been hopeful to be cleared for game action by the end of the month, sources say.
Comrie has intensified his skating during individual workouts over the past week and is a full participant in today’s skate at Southpointe.
Comrie gives the Penguins another option, possibly in their top-6, but he faces obstacles in getting a legitimate shot at earning a spot in the top-12.
Also returning to practice today is defenseman Matt Niskanen who has missed the past two games due to a flu.
Not practicing today include center Mark Letestu.
With Mark Letestu not practicing, Dustin Jeffrey has moved up to the top-line, centering James Neal and Alex Kovalev. Max Talbot has slid into Jeffrey’s spot as the third line center with Cooke and Dupuis.
Chris Conner is back in the top-12 today, skating on the 4th line with Mike Rupp and Craig Adams.
Comrie and Asham are skating as extras with Eric Godard on the 5th line.
