Injured Pittsburgh Penguins forwards Evgeni Malkin, Jake Guentzel and Bryan Rust all took to the ice Monday at the team’s facility in Cranberry.
Malkin, still recovering from offseason surgery on his right knee, was the only of the three who participated in the formal portion of practice. Wearing a white “no-contact” jersey, he even worked with the team’s second power-play group.
A sarcastic observer might have suggested Malkin appeared to be very close to returning to the Penguins’ lineup after he declined an open shot in favor of an unnecessary pass, seemingly an enduring trait of many Penguins players over the decades.
Quips aside, Malkin’s progress continues to sate management.
“(Malkin) skated for a half-hour with (assistant coach Todd Reirden and player development staffer Matt Cullen) and then joined the team for practice,” coach Mike Sullivan said. “(Malkin) is making very good progress. We’re encouraged by it. Every week, the limitations are less and less. That’s real encouraging.”
Malkin has been on long-term injured reserve since the season opened. During training camp, general manager Ron Hextall indicated he would miss at least the first two months of the season (which began Oct. 12).
Guentzel (suspected right hand) has missed the past two games, and Rust (undisclosed) has been sidelined for the past eight games. Both players have a regular injured reserve designation and skated before practice with Cullen.
“They’re where they’re at, where we expected them to be,” Sullivan said. “They’re all tracking the way our medical team had anticipated.”
Sullivan optimistic for Rutherford
Former Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford was introduced formally as the Vancouver Canucks’ president of hockey operations Monday.
Sullivan, who grew close to Rutherford during their time in Pittsburgh, expressed optimism Rutherford would have success in Vancouver.
“I’m happy for him, excited for him,” Sullivan said. “He’s a good friend. We went through a lot together here, as you guys know. I think he’s terrific at what he does. He’ll do a tremendous job for Vancouver. He has a wealth of experience. The Canucks will be the benefactors of the experience that he will bring to the table. He’s a great person to work for, and he’ll set the standard and the vision that I think will move that team in the right direction.”
Jarry supports Price
Growing up in British Columbia, Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry was a fan of another goaltender from the province in Carey Price of the Montreal Canadiens.
Price has yet to play this season after taking a leave of absence. In July, Price underwent surgery on a knee. Then in October, it was announced Price would be entering the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program for an unspecified matter.
The program typically aids players with mental health, substance abuse and other issues.
Price is not expected to return to the lineup until after Christmas.
The Canadiens also practice in Cranberry on Monday but Price, who recently has begun skating with teammates in Montreal, was not present.
Regardless, Jarry is eagerly awaiting Price’s return.
“It’s great that he reached out for help,” Jarry said. “(The NHL and NHLPA are) there to help us, and they’re there to do everything that they can. It’s good that he’s got protocols in place so he’s ready to come back when he’s ready. He’ll come back when he’s at his best.”
Notes:
The Penguins’ lines and pairs in practice were:
9 Evan Rodrigues – 87 Sidney Crosby – 42 Kasperi Kapanen
16 Jason Zucker – 77 Jeff Carter – 43 Danton Heinen
12 Zach Aston-Reese – 53 Teddy Blueger – 23 Brock McGinn
10 Drew O’Connor – 11 Brian Boyle – 49 Dominik Simon
8 Brian Dumoulin – 58 Kris Letang
28 Marcus Pettersson – 6 John Marino
5 Mike Matheson – 2 Chad Ruhwedel
The top power-play unit included Carter, Crosby, Letang, Rodrigues and Zucker. The second power-play unit involved Heinen, Kapanen, Marino, O’Connor and Simon.
