Penguins' Kris Letang: Takes part in morning skate Thursday

Letang (upper body) was on the ice for morning skate Thursday, Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Analysis:

Letang hasn't played since Oct. 18, when he left a game against Montreal after getting checked from behind and into the boards. However, his ability to participate in the morning skate bodes well for his chances of facing the Islanders at home Thursday. It's possible that the Penguins will wait until pregame warm-ups to decide on the savvy defender's availability for the upcoming contest, so prepare alternatives in case Letang can't give it a go.