Evgeni Malkin. Photo by Dan Kingerski. All Rights Reserved.
Evgeni Malkin did not, in fact, practice on defense or in goal with the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex. But he did join line rushes, and the team showed what it might look like when he returns as early as Thursday.
Malkin, who has missed the past 15 games because of a shoulder injury, said Tuesday he was itching so much to return that would not only move to the wing but would also play defense or goaltender if asked. Of course, that latter part was tongue in cheek, and Malkin did make a move.
He was back on the second line as usual, but not at his customary, long-time position of center. He played on the right wing with rookie Ben Kindel and and newcomer Egor Chinakhov on the other side.
It’s of interest to note that the Penguins did not reunite Malkin with wingers Anthony Mantha and Justin Brazeau, a combo of big men that had early success.
Although he was a full go Tuesday, said he felt great and hoped to be back this week, Wednesday was Malkin’s first time back in full capacity with the full squad. Several of the Penguins’ veterans sat out practice Tuesday for rest and recovery.
Tommy Novak, who had most recently been Malkin’s place-holder on that second line — actually, he filled in nicely — moved down to center the third line.
“Today’s practice, we wanted to see some different things,” Muse said.
As for the power plays. Malkin joined the first unit.
Malkin, 39, was flying when he got hurt, with eight goals, 29 points in 26 games. If he returns Thursday when the New Jersey Devils visit PPG Paints Arena, he will have exactly half the season left.
He will have to be activated from IR, but the Penguins won’t need to make a corresponding move. Rookie forward Rutger McGroarty went on IR Wednesday because of a concussion after he left Tuesday’s practice early following a collision.
Penguins Lines
Rickard Rakell-Sidney Crosby-Bryan Rust
Evgeni Malkin-Ben Kindel-Egor Chinakhov
Anthony Mantha-Tommy Novak-Justin Brazeau
Connor Dewar-Blake Lizotte-Noel Acciari
Defense
Parker Wotherspoon-Erik Karlsson
Brett Kulak-Kris Letang
Ryan Shea-Jack St. Ivany
(Kevin Hayes, Ville Koivunen and Connor Clifton were the odd men out)
Power play 1 — Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Bryan Rust, Rickard Rakell, Erik Karlsson
Power play 2 — Kris Letang, Justin Brazeau, Anthony Mantha, Ben Kindel, Yegor Chinakhov
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Categorized: Pittsburgh Penguins