3 Things: Injury updates, new guys acclimating
1. Malkin, Schultz updates
Pens center Evgeni Malkin (upper-body) was absent from practice. Malkin, who missed the past 2 games for Pittsburgh, did skate prior to the practice session with skating and skills development coach Ty Hennes.
"He's making progress," head coach Mike Sullivan said.
Malkin was joined by forward Zach Aston-Reese (upper-body).
Meanwhile, defenseman Justin Schultz (left leg fracture) took a major step forward in his recovery. Schultz participated in full contact practice.
"It feels good. It was a good step today," said Schultz, who ruled himself out of Tuesday's game against Carolina. "I missed a lot of time. It's going to take more than one full-contact practice (to return). But moving in a good direction."
Schultz hasn't played since Oct. 13 at Montreal when he suffered the injury. It's been a long road to recovery. He resumed skating in mid-January, but only rejoined his teammates for non-contact action on Jan. 31.
"I think it's more mental than anything," Schultz said. "When you're out for that long with the type of injury I had, it's a little hurdle you have to get over in your head and be comfortable out there. I thought I was today. It's still not completely there, but it's getting there, and that's positive."
Schultz worked with defender Chad Ruhwedel during line work, and also saw action on the Pens' second power-play unit.
"He's getting close," Sullivan said. "He looked strong to me out there. We got him involved in the power play. I think he's anxious to play. We'll see how he responds today and we'll make decisions accordingly."
2. New guys get a breather
It's been a crazy four days for Nick Bjugstad and Jared McCann. They were acquired Friday afternoon from Florida. The duo required a private jet and police escort just to make it to the team's bench minutes before puck drop for Friday night's game against Ottawa.
After the game the Pens flew to Toronto to complete a back-to-back session. So the two men woke up in Florida and ended their night at 2 a.m. in Toronto - with a stop in Pittsburgh for W in between.
"It was a crazy experience finding out about noon on Friday and flying here that night," Bjugstad said. "I didn't even get to come in and shake everyone's hand before the game, so it was like alright you're throwing on a new jersey and going out and paying."
The Pens had Sunday off, and it was a chance for both Bjugstad and McCann to catch their breath, as well as bond with their new teammates and watch the Super Bowl.
"I got to know some of my teammates pretty well yesterday," McCann said. "We had a good time at the Super Bowl party. I'm happy to be here."
The tandem had their first team practice on Monday, a strange occurrence after already playing two games.
"It was a fast-paced practice," Bjugstad said. "Obviously that translates on the ice for this team. I'm trying to keep up, and went through a video session with them and starting to learn a little more."
The Pens leave Wednesday for a three-game road trip that will begin in Florida. That will provide Bjugstad and McCann a chance to get their respective situations and order. And an opportunity to pack a few more articles of clothing to bring to Pittsburgh, which due to their quick turnaround arrival are severely lacking.
That is, if their current clothing items last that long.
"I may have to go to the mall and pick up some pants (before then)," McCann said with a smile. "I brought a lot of shorts for some reason."
3. Workflow
The Pens used the following workflow at practice…
Guentzel-Crosby-Rust
Pearson-Bjugstad-Kessel
Simon-McCann-Hornqvist
Blueger-Cullen-Wilson
Dumoulin-Letang
Maatta-Riikola
Pettersson-Johnson
Schultz-Ruhwedel
