Boston, MA (My Sportsbook) - New York Islanders forward Michael Peca made his return to the lineup in Thursday's 4-1 loss to Boston, but was forced to leave the game with a right knee sprain.

Peca was seeing his first significant action since suffering a torn ACL in his left knee during last year's playoffs. He had returned to the ice for a motivational first shift on November 2 against St. Louis, but sat on the bench the remainder of the game and soon returned to injured reserve.

Peca, who originally wasn't scheduled to return until December, sustained the injury in the second period when he collided with P.J. Axelsson behind Boston's net. The Islanders' captain is listed as day-to-day.

In 79 regular season games in 2001-02, Peca posted 25 goals and 35 assists. He has 127 goals and 162 assists in his career, which covers 480 contests.