There was a sight for sore eyes in Pittsburgh on Sunday as Evgeni Malkin practiced for the first time in nine days.
Malkin, 26, has been out of the Pittsburgh lineup since suffering a concussion during a 3-1 win over Florida last Friday.
He was driven into the back boards on a hit by Panthers defender Erik Gudbranson at 15:09 of the third period, left the game, and hasn’t skated since.
Sunday’s practice was an optional one. Malkin wasn’t wearing a non-contact jersey but, as noted by the Post-Gazette’s Shelly Anderson, the nature of the practice suggested there wouldn’t be much contact anyway.
The Penguins return to action on Monday against Tampa Bay at the Consol Energy Center before heading out on a two-game road trip to Philadelphia and Toronto.
No word on a timetable for Malkin’s return to game action.