PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Evgeni Malkin went full contact at Pens practice on Wednesday and while he didn't work with one of the top four lines. He will make the trip to Washington and be there for the game Thursday night.
Pens head coach Mike Sullivan would not say if Malkin would play against the Caps. Malkin worked in on the top power play unit, taking Jared McCann's spot.
"We will make that decision when the time comes," Sullivan said of if Malkin would rejoin the top unit. "Right now we like how the power play is operating. They've done a really good job for us. Last night is a perfect example. They didn't score but they generated a fair amount of chances. They helped us gain momentum. They are making a positive impact on the game."
"When Geno does come back into our lineup, it gives us more options to do different things with the groups that we have."
Frederick Gaudreau also returned to full practice and back centering the fourth line. Gaudreau said he worried after the injury if he would be able to return and then have an opportunity to play. Judging by practice Wednesday, he's still in the lineup with Mark Jankowski out.
"It for sure feels good to be back, some of those thoughts were there for sure," Gaudreau said. "It's never fun to get injured. You have to go through rehab. It was good to see the team have success, but obviously you would like to be on the ice as well."
Brandon Tanev was not with the team, but for the first time practiced with the taxi squad. So another jump up for Tanev as he will be on the trip to Washington.
Kapanen-Carter reunion
For the first time Jeff Carter had a new linemate. Keeping Jared McCann and adding Kasperi Kapanen.
It's a reunion of sorts for Kapanen and Carter, the 36-year-old Carter played with Kasperi's dad in Philadelphia.
"The last time I saw Jeff, I was 11-years-old," Kapanen said. "It's kind of funny to play with him now. It was a long time ago."
"He's won the Cup two times, a lot of games played, a lot of points. He's just a pro all-around and just even a better human being, very nice, very kind. Just a huge acquisition for us to get him and to have him in our lineup. He's just a tremendous hockey player."
Jason Zucker took Kapanen's place on the third line, still on his off side with Zach Aston-Reese. Gaudreau joined by Colton Sceviour and Evan Rodrigues on the fourth line.
American Opportunity
It's not something you hear much at all in most sports we follow. Finally an opportunity for an American in sports, but such is the case for NHL head coaches.
"I think it's great that more American-born coaches are getting opportunities to coach in the National League," Sullivan said. "There are a lot of real good coaches in general. For the Americans to get an opportunity to coach in the league, it's great."
"I think it's an indication of how far hockey has come and how much it's grown and developed in the United States. More and more guys are getting opportunities in all aspects of hockey. Whether it be coaching, playing or the front office, general managers. There are more and more Americans getting involved and that's great for our nation."
