Skinner, Gleason expected to return for Hurricanes

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Forward Jeff Skinner is one of four injured Carolina Hurricanes who are expected to return Thursday night against Pittsburgh.

Coach Kirk Muller said following the team's morning skate that Skinner, defensemen Tim Gleason and Jamie McBain and forward Tim Brent all will be back on the ice to take on the Penguins.

Muller says it's "going to give us a lift tonight" because of their experience.

Skinner has seven goals and seven assists but missed five games with a concussion.

Gleason was out six games with an unspecified lower body injury while an upper body injury cost McBain four games. Brent was out five games with a lower body injury.