Pettinger Could Return Saturday

Matt Pettinger has not played because of a shoulder injury he suffered during an exhibition game, but he's getting closer to making his 2006-07 debut.

The left wing, a 20-goal scorer and one of the club's best penalty killers, could return to the lineup on Saturday against Tampa Bay. If he's not ready to face the Lightning, Pettinger will almost certainly be ready to go next Wednesday against the Avalanche in Denver.

During today's practice, both Pettinger and Boyd Gordon (undisclosed lower body ailment) were the only players wearing yellow sweaters, a sure sign that Gordon will also miss tomorrow's game against the Florida Panthers. Gordon, a checking line winger, has not played since the season opener.