Penguins D Whitney practices

Nov 22, 2008 - 2:03 AM PITTSBURGH (Ticker) -- Off to the second-best start after 19 games in franchise history, the Pittsburgh Penguins received even more encouraging news Friday, when defenseman Ryan Whitney participated in practice for the first time this season.

Whitney has yet to play this campaign due to offseason foot surgery. The 25-year-old - who began skating on his own a month ago - still is not ready to join the lineup, but he was excited to finally get on the ice with his teammates.

"It's nice to be in the team atmosphere," Whitney said. "To be out there with them, it's kind of fun to be a part of that."

"He's working really hard," Penguins coach Michel Therrien said. "Now, it's time to take another step to make sure he's going to be ready as quick as possible. This was that next step."

Captain Sidney Crosby also was glad to see Whitney take part in practice.

"It's nice to see," Crosby said. "For him, it's probably much nicer to skate with the guys than to skate on his own. A few of us have gone through that. It's never fun."

Whitney is targeting a return in late December but understands he may have to wait until a spot opens for him, considering how well the Penguins are playing.

"It's going to be tough," he said. "We're playing well and there's no reason for anyone to be out right now. It's a matter of me practicing well and waiting, if that's the case."

Drafted fifth overall in 2002, Whitney recorded 12 goals and 28 assists in 76 games last season. The native of Boston added a tally and six points in 20 playoff contests as the Penguins reached the Stanley Cup Finals.

In 2006-07, Whitney ranked sixth among NHL defensemen in scoring with 59 points - including 14 goals. He has registered 32 tallies and 105 assists in 225 career games.