Malkin Back In Team Practice Sunday

Credit: Justin K. Aller, NHLI – Getty images

Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin was able to practice with the team Sunday in Southpointe, but still has to reportedly pass ImPACT testing before he can return to game action.

Malkin had this to say following Sunday’s session,

“I feel pretty good, had a good practice on the ice.  I skated with the team and used a little contact.  I feel good.”

Judging by how pleased he was about his progress, it looks as though Malkin is getting close to returning to game action for the Pens.  But the team still looks to proceed with caution.

Head Coach Dan Bylsma recognizes Malkin still needs a little more time to get ready:

 ”(Malkin has) had a couple sessions on the ice, two days of off-ice workouts, where we went hard, today he was cleared for contact.  We saw him go through three drills designed to provide him with that contact.  He did well.  He still needs to pass an ImPACT test.  We’re going on protocol.”

Malkin hasn’t played since February 22nd against the Florida Panthers, in which he slid awkwardly into the boards whiplashing his neck and landing him on injured reserve with a concussion.

The Penguins next contest is Monday against the Lightning in Pittsburgh, and you can probably bet Malkin still will be invisible from the lineup.

The team has done well so far minus Malkin.  They certainly had enough offensive support last night potting seven goals in a winning effort versus the Canadiens.

Pens got the Lightning tomorrow in Pittsburgh at 7:30 p.m.