PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – It's the final regular season matchup with Boston Tuesday night at 7p and while Pens alternate captain Evgeni Malkin skated with the team again today. He will not return tonight.
Malkin did work on the second power play unit in the spot that Jared McCann currently occupies on the first. He went through drills, but not line rushes during the last full practice on Friday. Malkin has been out since the injury against Boston on March 16.
Center Frederick Gaudreau also skated Tuesday morning. He also did not take contact. Gaudreau, out since an injury on April 11, was centering one of the bottom six lines with Teddy Blueger out. The 27-year-old had 4 points in 13 games.
Sullivan said they are starting to add limited contact and believes Malkin especially is making good progress.
Lines
Remained the same as the previous game with Kasperi Kapanen on the third line with Zach Aston-Reese and Teddy Blueger. Evan Rodrigues on the fourth line with Colton Sceviour and Mark Jankowski.
Jarry in net
Once again Tristan Jarry in net for the Pens, 21-8-3 on the season with a 2.70 goals against average and .911 save percentage. Jarry pitched a 30 save shutout against Boston on April 25, now 2-2 against the Bruins this season. He has started eight of the last 11 games since returning from injury on April 6.
Last time vs Bruins
"We were pleased with the effort that we had," Sullivan said of the 1-0 win on Sunday. "We thought it was one of our more complete games on both sides of the puck. That's the type of game we have to put on the ice consistently if we are going to win at this time of the year, especially against a team as good as Boston."
"That's the type of game that is a good blueprint for us moving forward. It gives us a real tangible reference point when we are having conversations with our players from here on out."
Buy Josh a drink and get his dog one too
Pens broadcaster Josh Getzoff welcomed his first child Monday morning, so Mike Lange returns to the booth for Tuesday night's game against Boston. It's the first game for the Hall of Famer this season due to COVID-19 concerns and an unrelated medical procedure. Getzoff expected to return on Thursday at Washington.
