Pitkanen returns to practice

UPDATE: The blog czars say some technological issues prevented blogs from being posted most of today, but everything is working again. Defenseman Joni Pitkanen has returned to practice. Pitkanen has missed five of the Canes' first six games and most practices, but was back on the ice today at the RBC Center. Pitkanen said persistent soreness in his right knee has prevented him from doing anything bu some skating on his own. "Frustrating," he said today. Pitkanen couldn't say when he might be able to rejoin the lineup but said he would be at practice Friday and go from there. "He moved around for a good half-hour -- that's a good sign," Canes coach Paul Maurice said. "We'll wait until tomorrow morning to see how he feels. If there's an improvement or he feels good we'll consider him skating with the main group. If not he'll skate on his own." Goaltender Cam Ward, centers Eric Staal and Matt Cullen, and forward Ray Whit...