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With the first of three games against the Devils this week set to take place this evening, the Penguins skated and we got some updates on a number of players.
Both Evgeni Malkin and Kasperi Kapanen, who have been out of the lineup since March 16th and March 25th, respectively, skated with the team.
Both players were in non-contact jerseys, but skating is still good progress at this point.
Evgeni Malkin & Kasperi Kapanen are participating in this morning’s skate in no-contact jerseys. Malkin has been out since 3/16, Kapanen since 3/25, each with lower-body injuries
— Josh Getzoff (@PensJG) April 20, 2021
Malkin nor Kapanen took part in line rushes.
Here is the Pens' workflow...
— Pens Inside Scoop (@PensInsideScoop) April 20, 2021
Guentzel-Crosby-Rust
McCann-Carter-Zucker
Aston-Reese—Blueger-Rodrigues
Sceviour-Jankowski-Lafferty
(Zohorna)
Dumoulin-Letang
Matheson-Ceci
Pettersson-Marino
Friedman-Ruhwedel
Malkin and Kapanen did not take rushes.
Post-Gazette reporter Matt Vensel observed that Kapanen might appear closer to returning than Malkin.
Kapanen is moving around pretty well out there. Looks like he's probably closer to returning than Malkin. #Pens
— Matt Vensel (@mattvensel) April 20, 2021
After practice, Zach Aston-Reese noted that the two were ‘flying.’
Aston-Reese on Malkin and Kapanen joining skate: “Seeing them out there is really good for us. Geno was flying today, Kappy as well. Two guys that are going to add to our offense, and we’re excited to get them back soon.”
— Pens Inside Scoop (@PensInsideScoop) April 20, 2021
After practice, Mike Sullivan spoke as well.
Sullivan said it’s been encouraging for Kapanen and Malkin to be joining the team and that there are ballpark dates the team has in mind for when they’ll be able to be full participants.
To no one’s surprises, Sullivan did not share those dates with the public.
Coach Sullivan continued: "We have ballpark dates in mind of when we think they are going to be available in full participation. Every day we get feedback on these guys and where they are. We will try to make the best decisions from there."
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) April 20, 2021
Sullivan then said that when the Penguins take the ice tonight, Tristan Jarry will be starting in the Penguins net.
Coach Sullivan said Tristan Jarry will start in goal tonight against the Devils.
— Pens Inside Scoop (@PensInsideScoop) April 20, 2021
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.