CRANBERRY TWP., PA (93.7 The Fan) – Evgeni Malkin and Bryan Rust returned to full practice as did the Pens on Tuesday afternoon at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry.
With head coach Mike Sullivan coaching Team USA in the 4 Nations Face-Off, assistant coach Mike Vellucci had both players going through all of the drills as Rust missed the last game before the break and Malkin hasn’t played since January 25. Team went through a hard, 45-minute workout including various drills, Vellucci said they were all a bit rusty, as to be expected, but pleased with the effort.
“It’s a long season and a lot of the guys have families, so it gives them time to be with their families,” Vellucci said of the break. “The energy was great. I think it was helpful for them to have a little break and spend a little family time.
Pens will practice Wednesday through Friday before returning to games Saturday hosting the Capitals at 3p and Sunday home to the Rangers at 3:30p.
Vlad Add
Pens claimed 6’2”, 195-pound defenseman Vladimir Kolvachonok off waivers from Utah February 9 and he went through his first practice with his new team Tuesday. In 23 games, he had two goals and three assists as he’s played parts of four seasons in the NHL.
The 23-year-old said he’s excited for the move to the Pens as he said he can play either on the left or right side. He said he’s ready for new opportunities with a ‘legendary organization’.
“He’s a smooth skater, I noticed that today,” Vellucci said. “We watched a little video on him and he’s a good defender. I think that’s going to play into our scheme. We like to squeeze and play the entries that way. We think he is going to be a good fit for us.”
“I can’t wait to get on the ice, as soon as possible,” Kolvachonok said.