Cooke Suspended 2 Games; Crosby to Return

The NHL announced yesterday that Penguins LW Matt Cooke was suspended 2 games for a blow to the head of Carolina Hurricanes forward Scott Walker in the teams' last game on January 20, 2008.

Losing Cooke certainly won't help the Penguins, as he has been one of their best players in recent weeks. He'll miss tonight's game against the Rangers and Friday night's game in New Jersey before returning for a Hockey Night in Canada game against the Maple Leafs in Toronto on Saturday night.

In some other lineup news, center Sidney Crosby practiced yesterday for the 2nd day since the break and apparently felt much better than the day before. He indicated he will be in the lineup tonight.

The Penguins also anticipate using Bill Thomas and Paul Bissonette in the lineup tonight. They were recalled from Wilkes-Barre 2 days ago and, as before the break, likely will play on the 4th line with Eric Godard.

As reported yesterday, both Pascaul Dupuis and Max Talbot also will return to the lineup tonight. Brooks Orpik, believed to be dealing with a groin problem, still isn't ready to go. Penguins coach Michel Therrein did say he was "close" to returning, however.

The Penguins are getting healthier, and need to get back on the winning ledger again starting tonight. The Rangers haven't had much luck in Pittsburgh over the last 2 seasons, winning only 1 or 2 of about 15 games, including the playoffs. They have been as poor at Mellon Arena as the Penguins have been at Madison Square Garden during that span.

Recap tomorrow. Go Pens.