Crosby and Malkin Return; Two Players Absent

The Pittsburgh Penguins received positive news as captain Sidney Crosby and center Evgeni Malkin participated in practice on Sunday. Both players have been sidelined by injuries but skated at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex.

Crosby and Malkin Return to Practice

Crosby, who has been a vital player for the Penguins, missed Saturday’s matchup against Dallas due to a lower-body injury. He left the previous game against Ottawa. Currently, he leads his team with 28 goals and 64 points over 61 games.

Malkin, on the other hand, has been out for the last three games with a suspected hand injury. Despite this setback, he has contributed significantly this season, notching 15 goals and 52 points in 51 games.

Current Status of Injuries

Both Crosby and Malkin are labeled as day-to-day. During practice, they wore black jerseys that indicate their ability to engage in contact. They participated fully in drills, suggesting a positive step towards their return to gameplay.

Injured Forwards

Conversely, forwards Bryan Rust and Noel Acciari were not present at practice, leaving concerns about their status. The Penguins will likely need their full roster as they prepare for a key Metropolitan Division game.

Upcoming Game Against the Islanders

The Penguins are set to travel to New York to face the Islanders on Monday. This matchup is critical for their standing in the division. Updates on the players’ conditions are expected following practice.