CRANBERRY TWP, PA (93.7 The Fan) – Evgeni Malkin worked back in a normal second line role with only a game left before his suspension ends. Forward Bryan Rust discussed how to fix the power play and a trade-deadline defenseman goes through a first practice.
Line Combinations
Malkin joined by Jason Zucker and Bryan Rust with Brian Boyle and Brock McGinn working for a final forward spot. Kris Letang with Brian Dumoulin on defense.
Jake Guentzel-Sidney Crosby-Rikard Rakell
Jason Zucker-Evgeni Malkin-Bryan Rust
Danton Heinen-Jeff Carter-Kasperi Kapanen
Evan Rodrigues-Teddy Blueger-Brian Boyle/Brock McGinn
Brian Dumoulin-Kris Letang
Marcus Pettersson-John Marino
Mike Matheson-Chad Ruhwedel
*Nathan Beaulieu-Mark Friedman
Power Play
The Pens have two power play goals in April. The team is 2 for 23 with an extra man this month.
"These things happen in a season where things are good, things are bad," Rust said. "As of recently I think we've done some really good things. We just have to get a few more pucks to the net. We haven't shot the puck as much as we should, the more we do that those other plays are going to open up to us."
The Pens spent part of their scrimmage time of their nearly hour-long practice Tuesday working on the power play.
New Defenseman
It's not often a player is acquired during the trade deadline while on long-term injured reserve. Defenseman Nathan Beaulieu came from Winnipeg for a seventh-round pick. The 6'2", 201-pound left-hand shot suffered a lower-body injury against Dallas on March 4 and hasn't skated with his new team until Tuesday.
"It was a great day for me just to get out and be with my teammates," Beaulieu said. "It's never fun rehabbing and skating alone. It's a day-by-day thing right now."
No time-table given when asked if he feels like he could play this year.
"The biggest thing is getting into practices," Beaulieu said. "Today was a big step for me. It's something we are being cautious with. It's a day-by-day thing. It's pretty rare to have this many days between games, especially this time of the season. It's a day-by-day process right now, but it was a good first day."
"There is no timeline at this point," said Pens Head Coach Mike Sullivan. "The fact that we get him onto the ice in a non-contact capacity obviously that's a big step. We are excited to get him out there. It's not easy jumping in at this time of the year after missing some extended time like he has. I thought he had a strong practice. We will see where it goes."
Up Next
Another practice on Wednesday before hosting Boston Thursday night.
