PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Pens not only had Evgeni Malkin back in a non-contact jersey on Friday at practice, but forward Frederick Gaudreau. No change to their status, same with Brandon Tanev, who skated before the team. Head coach Mike Sullivan did say that Tanev is making progress.
Line change
Pens changed up a couple of lines with home games Saturday and Sunday.
In his first game back last night, Kasperi Kapanen played on the fourth line. While he did rotate some during the game, Kapanen had a goal and an assist and on Friday moved up. Kapanen joined Teddy Blueger and Zach Aston-Reese on the third line and Evan Rodrigues moved with Mark Jankowski and Colton Sceviour on the fourth line.
“We are putting him in a position to do what he does best and also helping the team,” Sullivan said. “He had a real strong game starting from the very first shift. He almost scored. We thought his conditioning was pretty good.”
Jeff Carter remained centering the second line with Jason Zucker and Jared McCann.
Evgeni Malkin at practice
Malkin did not take line rushes as he returned for a few drills during the non-physical practice.
“It brings another level of enthusiasm,” Sullivan said of having Malkin at practice. “Everybody is well aware of how important Geno is to our team and the impact he can have on a game.”
“When Geno is in our lineup we are a better hockey team. We all feel strongly about that, our players do as well. When he’s on the ice enjoying a practice the way he is. It gives our a whole other level of enthusiasm and whole other level of confidence that we have the makings of a pretty good team. Now it’s our responsibility and challenge to pull it together here and put a solid game on the ice.”
“He’s a great player,” said goalie Tristan Jarry. “Having him back in the room is a boost of confidence for us. It shows he’s coming back and is coming back soon. It gives our team that little bit extra.”
“He’s a huge part of this team,” Marino said. “He’s obviously going to help our team out in a huge way when he comes back. It will be great to have him around the room, too.”
“Just being around his teammates and being in the room is always a good thing,” said defenseman and long-time teammate Kris Letang. “Geno is a vocal guy around us. He makes the atmosphere in our locker room a lot lighter.”
Marino 100
Saturday at 12:30 against the Devils will be defenseman John Marino’s 100th NHL game.
“It’s definitely something that is pretty special,” Marino said. “Something you are definitely looking forward to and hopefully more to come. Look at it as a stepping stone and keep learning from the process.”
“He had an unbelievable season as a rookie,” Letang said. “I think this year now he is facing even more of a challenge because players know how good he is. He is playing against better players. He is getting put in tougher situations. I think Johnny has been answering the bell pretty well.”
“He’s being asked to do a lot for only a second year guy.”