Neal, Orpik could return for Penguins in Game 4

Tuesday, 05.07.2013 / 12:52 PM

By Brian Compton - NHL.com Deputy Managing Editor / Penguins-Islanders series blog

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UNIONDALE, N.Y. -- Pittsburgh Penguins coach Dan Bylsma wouldn't divulge any information in regard to his lineup for Game 4 of this Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series against the New York Islanders, but there is a good chance forward James Neal and defenseman Brooks Orpik will return Tuesday at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum (7 p.m. ET, NBCSN, TSN).

Neal and Orpik were full participants at the morning skate, and Neal put in work on the club's top power-play unit. Nine of his 21 goals during the regular season came via the man-advantage.

"It's tough sitting out," said Neal, who suffered a lower-body injury during Pittsburgh's 5-0 victory in Game 1. "It's good to be back on the ice and skating with the guys."

Should Neal make his return, he will rejoin what already is a lethal power play. The Penguins went 3-for-5 with the man advantage in their 5-4 overtime victory in Game 3, including Chris Kunitz's game-winner at 8:44 of the extra session that gave Pittsburgh a 2-1 lead in this best-of-7 series. The Islanders talked Thursday morning about how slowing the Penguins' power play is a major part of their game plan for Game 4.

"I think Nealer has that ability to get into open areas and he has that great shot," Kunitz said. "His work ethic, ability to hunt down pucks and create turnovers and get pucks out of piles and get it to guys on the ice, it's kind of a grit level that every power play needs."

Should Orpik return Tuesday, he would be making his debut in this postseason. The 32-year-old, who had eight assists and a plus-17 rating in 46 regular-season games, suffered an undisclosed injury during a game against the Buffalo Sabres on April 23.

Orpik joined Paul Martin, his usual defense partner, during rushes at the morning skate, which would suggest he's ready to go.

Here are the projected lineups for Game 4:

PENGUINS

Chris Kunitz - Sidney Crosby - Pascal Dupuis

James Neal - Evgeni Malkin - Jarome Iginla

Brenden Morrow - Brandon Sutter - Matt Cooke

Tanner Glass - Jussi Jokinen - Craig Adams

Paul Martin - Brooks Orpik

Douglas Murray - Matt Niskanen

Mark Eaton - Kris Letang

Marc-Andre Fleury

Tomas Vokoun