Penguins' Downie practices, expects to play Friday

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Steve Downie was a welcome sight at practice Wednesday.

Downie left Tuesday's game after taking an elbow to the head from Minnesota Wild defenseman Ryan Suter.

After practice, Downie told reporters he expects to play in Friday's game against the New York Islanders, according to Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Downie said he appreciated receiving an apology from Suter, but wouldn't say if he believes supplemental discipline was warranted, Seth Rorabaugh of the Post-Gazette reports.

Suter has a hearing scheduled for Wednesday with the NHL's Department of Player Safety.