Penguins G Fleury to start vs. Thrashers

Dec 18, 2008 - 4:26 PM ATLANTA (Ticker) -- Marc-Andre Fleury is ready to make his return to the ice.

Fleury, who has been sidelined by a groin injury for more than a month, will be the Pittsburgh Penguins' starting goaltender in Thursday's game against the Atlanta Thrashers.

Penguins coach Michel Therrien confirmed Wednesday that Fleury would return for the game against Atlanta, claiming that the former No. 1 overall draft pick "feels good."

"It's good for him to get some practice under his belt," Therrien said. "I think his timing is sharp now and I think he's ready to play."

"I'm looking forward to getting back in there," Fleury said. "It's been a while now. It's always frustrating when you're out. I wanted to get back as quick as I could."

Fleury has been out since November 15, when he suffered the groin injury against the Buffalo Sabres.

The 24-year-old Fleury, who helped lead the Penguins to the Stanley Cup Finals last season, is 8-3-2 with a 2.86 goals-against-average this season.