As the regular season winds down, the Penguins are starting to get their team back to full strength.
Thursday, James Neal and Paul Martin practiced with the team during the morning skate. They were held out of Thursday’s game against the New Jersey Devils but have a strong chance to come back for the season finale against the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday.
Neal has 18 goals and 14 assists with the Penguins this season. Despite missing seven games due to a concussion, Neal is still second on the team in power play goals (8) and fifth on the team in points (32). Neal sustained a concussion on April 5th when he took a vicious elbow to the head from Rangers’ defenseman Michael Del Zotto.
Paul Martin hasn’t played since March 28th when he broke his wrist blocking a shot against Winnipeg. After being the whipping boy for the Penguins’ defensive struggles the last two years, Martin has rediscovered his game. His defensive play was very consistent and he has become a reliable point man on the power play. While he may not possess a great shot, Martin still leads all Penguins’ defensemen with six goals.
Sidney Crosby received some good news, today. After his dental surgery was completed, Crosby was cleared to return to practice. The chances of Crosby returning for Saturday’s game against the Hurricanes is doubtful. However, he should be ready for the start of the playoffs. Crosby has been out since March 30th when a deflected slap shot by Brooks Orpik hit him in the mouth, breaking his jaw. Crosby did not need to have his jaw wired shut which has aided in his recovery time, but the lack of solid food over a couple weeks suggests his strength is not up to par. Crosby lost the NHL lead in scoring Wednesday night when Martin St. Louis scored a hat trick.
Joe Vitale and Brooks Orpik are considered day to day. Orpik has a lower-body injury, suffered Tuesday vs. Buffalo.
Photo courtesy of Penguins.com
