"Penguins right winger Bill Guerin was back on the ice at Monday's optional practice and appears a reasonable bet to play in Raleigh on Thursday against the Hurricanes.

Guerin has missed the past three games with back spasms but made it through a 30-minute workout at Southpointe in good shape.

"It just takes time," he said. "It depends on how long it takes to get it to settle down and loosen up."

Guerin has endured a couple of minor bouts of back spasms during his career. He thought about taking part in Sunday's pregame skate before the Penguins' 2-1 victory over Boston but figured resting would be wise, especially since the team doesn't play until Thursday."