Thursday’s Practice Buzz: Crosby centering top line of Kunitz, Dupuis

THURSDAY’S PRACTICE NOTES

Sidney Crosby’s return to the lineup is considered to be very close as in a matter of days, and for the first time since being cleared to practice last Friday, Crosby has been removed from skating on a spare line.

Crosby today is back centering the Penguins top line of Chris Kunitz and Pascal Dupuis.

Crosby on Monday said that while he’s open to playing with anybody, the easiest transition would be playing with Kunitz and Dupuis again for when he returns to the lineup. “We’re pretty comfortable together,” Crosby said Monday of playing with Kunitz and Dupuis. “So, I think it will make for easier transition. Most comfort with those guys.”

The trickle down effect of Crosby being on the top line today is Jussi Jokinen being dropped to the 4th line with Tanner Glass and Craig Adams.

Winger James Neal suffered an ankle injury in the Penguins Game 1 win and is the only player not practicing today

On the blueline, Brooks Orpik is skating for the second straight day with the team. Orpik opened up the skate paired with Deryk Engelland as Paul Martin joined practice late.

Kunitz – Crosby – Dupuis

Bennett – Malkin – Iginla

Morrow – Sutter – Cooke

Glass – Jokinen – Adams

Extra’s: Jeffrey – Vitale – Kennedy