NHL notebook

Published 11:08 pm Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Lemieux back in the pros

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Claude Lemieux returned to the NHL on Tuesday night after an absence of more than 51/2 years, suiting up for the San Jose Sharks against Vancouver.

The 43-year-old Lemieux is a four-time Stanley Cup winner and former playoff MVP, but he hadn’t played in hockey’s top league since the 2003 postseason with Dallas. He began his comeback nearly two months ago with the top minor league affiliate of the Sharks, who recalled him for their final game before the All-Star break.

Season over for DiPietro

NEW YORK — New York Islanders goalie Rick DiPietro is out for the season because of continuing problems with a surgically repaired knee.

The 27-year-old goalie has played just five games and won’t see any more action this season, a person familiar with DiPietro’s condition told The Associated Press on Tuesday. The Islanders (12-29-5) enter this weekend’s All-Star break with the fewest wins and points in the 30-team NHL.

Surgery for Columbus goalie

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Pascal Leclaire will undergo ankle surgery Friday that will likely sideline him through the regular season.

Habs’ All-Star goalie back

ATLANTA — All-Star goaltender Carey Price returned Tuesday night for Montreal, replacing Jaroslav Halak early in the second period after the Canadiens fell behind 3-0 after facing 14 shots against Atlanta.

Unless he has a setback, Price is expected to play his first All-Star game Sunday in Montreal. The NHL’s fifth overall choice in the 2005 entry draft missed eight games with an ankle injury.

Associated Press