Notebook: Orpik 'ahead of schedule'

Defenseman Brooks Orpik took part in his second practice since undergoing surgery to his right hand in the preseason. Though his hand was heavily taped, Orpik said that the biggest issue regarding his recovery is regaining strength.

"Most of the pain is gone. I keep doing a lot of grip-work stuff, but it's only about 80 percent," said Orpik, who continues to do rehab sessions for his hand. "The doctors said I am still ahead of schedule. It's just going to come with time, I guess."

• Defenseman Eric Cairns was assigned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League to begin a rehabilitation stint. Cairns has not played in a game for the Penguins after undergoing knee surgery prior to the start of the season.

• Goalie Marc-Andre Fleury has shut out the Flyers over the last two meetings between the Pennsylvania rivals.

"They have some good offensive guys. ... I don't know. It's just been timing, I think," said Fleury, who is 3-3 with a 2.49 goals-against average over seven career games against the Flyers. "It's always fun to play there, but I don't try to make anything different out of it. The crowd in Philadelphia is always loud. I like to make some good saves and shut them up a little bit."

• Left wing Karl Stewart was claimed off waivers by the Chicago Blackhawks.

Digits

68.8 - Percentage of power plays then Penguins have killed on the road this season, the second-worst percentage in the NHL through Wednesday's games.

16 - Points recorded by Sidney Crosby in nine career games against the Philadelphia Flyers, whom the Penguins play Saturday.

- By Rob Rossi