Comrie back in lineup after missing Toronto game
? Forward Mike Comrie returned for the Penguins on Friday night against the New York Islanders, opening at center on a line with left wing Eric Tangradi and right wing Evgeni Malkin. He was a healthy scratch Wednesday night in a home loss to Toronto after failing to register a shot in a win Monday at New Jersey. "He's been good defensively, but puck battles haven't been very strong for him," coach Dan Bylsma said. "In the offensive zone, he has maybe tried some plays quickly versus holding onto the puck and using his linemates. He can be better in those areas."
? Center Jordan Staal (right foot) and right wing Arron Asham (left shoulder) skated before the Penguins' morning practice. They donned full gear and were on the ice for about 45 minutes with strength and conditioning coach Mike Kadar. Staal appeared to slightly favor the right foot. Neither player engaged in any action that would closely approximate game conditions.
? Defenseman Brooks Orpik (groin) missed a third consecutive game. He did not practice in the morning, though he did skate lightly before teammates took the ice. Orpik has played in only two games since the midpoint of training camp.
? Right wing Craig Adams was a healthy scratch for the Penguins, who dressed right wing Eric Godard for the second consecutive game. Defenseman Zbynek Michalek (right shoulder) missed a second straight game. The Islanders were without defenseman James Wisniewski (suspension) and center John Tavares (concussion), and defenseman Bruno Gervais was a healthy scratch.
? Defenseman Mark Eaton played against the Penguins for the first time as an Islander. He spent the previous four seasons with them before signing a two-year deal with New York in July. This Islanders club is not unlike the Penguins squad he joined in 2006 ? young and talented forwards, an unproven No. 1 overall pick goaltender, and without expectations to crack the playoffs in his first season. "A lot of similarities," he said. "Hopefully the process goes the same way."
