Penguins forward Jason Zucker did not participate in the team’s practice in Cranberry on Saturday.
Coach Mike Sullivan termed his absence as a “maintenance day.”
In 29 games this season, Zucker has 10 points (four goals, six assists).
Forward Evgeni Malkin practiced as well but not in a full-contact fashion. Sullivan indicated Malkin’s participation was as close to 100% as he has gotten since undergoing surgery on his right knee this past offseason.
Malkin remains on long-term injured reserve.
Injured forwards Jake Guentzel (right hand) and Bryan Rust (undisclosed) each skated before practice. Both players are currently designated to injured reserve.
The Penguins’ lines and pairs during practice were:
9 Evan Rodrigues – 87 Sidney Crosby – 42 Kasperi Kapanen
71 Evgeni Malkin – 77 Jeff Carter – 43 Danton Heinen
12 Zach Aston-Reese – 53 Teddy Blueger – 23 Brock McGinn
10 Drew O’Connor – 18 Sam Lafferty – 49 Dominik Simon
8 Brian Dumoulin – 58 Kris Letang
28 Marcus Pettersson – 6 John Marino
5 Mike Matheson – 2 Chad Ruhwedel
Sullivan noted Malkin’s deployment on the left wing of the second line was to serve as a substitute for Zucker.
The top power-play unit included Carter, Crosby, Kapanen, Letang and Rodrigues. The second power-play unit involved Heinen, Marino, Matheson, O’Connor and Simon.
