Jurcina returns, puts in 15 minutes

Milan Jurcina returned to the Islanders' lineup Sunday after missing five games with a groin injury.

The 6-4, 240-pound defenseman, paired with Jack Hillen, gave the Islanders some much-needed size and seasoning on defense.

"Getting a guy like that back gives us an experienced guy back there," coach Jack Capuano said before the game. "He can handle a lot of minutes, kill penalties and [play] on the power play."

The Islanders are 20-13-4 with Jurcina in the lineup and 5-19-6 in the 30 games he has missed with injury.

The 27-year-old blueliner had two shots, three hits and one blocked shot in 15:27 of ice time, although he was not used on the power play.

To make room for Jurcina's return, defenseman Mark Katic was returned to the team's AHL affiliate in Bridgeport. Katic, 21, got an assist in his NHL debut Feb. 24 against Philadelphia.

Nielsen hits boards

Frans Nielsen took a nasty spill into the boards after an awkward collision with the Devils' Dainius Zubrus late in the third period. Islanders head trainer Garrett Timms came out onto the ice, but Nielsen skated off on his own and did not miss a shift. After the game, Nielsen said he is fine . . . Blake Comeau set a career high with his 18th goal and also has a career high in points with 39. Last season, Comeau had 17 goals and 18 assists.