Orpik back, Malkin, Crosby still out for Penguins

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik will make his season debut on Thursday night against Montreal. The 31-year-old Orpik is coming off abdominal surgery in July after the injury limited his effectiveness in the team's first-round playoff loss to Tampa Bay. Orpik had one goal and 12 assists in 63 games last year with a plus-12 ratio. Pittsburgh star Sidney Crosby remains sidelined as he continues to come back from concussion-like symptoms. Crosby has been cleared for contact. He said Thursday morning he feels good but hasn't really been hit hard in workouts because of the team's limited practice time. The Penguins will also be without center Evgeni Malkin, who will miss his fourth straight game with knee issues. Tyler Kennedy (concussion) is out indefinitely.