![\"Evgeni](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Evgeni-Malkin-Practice-Dallas-e1743793033186.jpg\")
Evgeni Malkin. Photo by Dan Kingerski. All Rights Reserved.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEvgeni Malkin. Photo by Dan Kingerski. All Rights Reserved.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
Evgeni Malkin did not, in fact, practice on defense or in goal with the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex. But he did join line rushes, and the team showed what it might look like when he returns as early as Thursday.<\/p>\n
Malkin, who has missed the past 15 games because of a shoulder injury, said Tuesday<\/a> he was itching so much to return that would not only move to the wing but would also play defense or goaltender if asked. Of course, that latter part was tongue in cheek, and Malkin did make a move.<\/p>\n He was back on the second line as usual, but not at his customary, long-time position of center. He took drills on the left wing with rookie Ben Kindel centering and newcomer Egor Chinakhov on the other side.<\/p>\n It\u2019s of interest to note that the Penguins did not reunite Malkin with wingers Anthony Mantha and Justin Brazeau, a combo of big men that had early success.<\/p>\n Although Malkin was a full go Tuesday, said he felt great and hoped to be back this week, Wednesday was his first time back in full capacity with the full squad. Several of the Penguins\u2019 veterans sat out practice Tuesday for rest and recovery.<\/p>\n Tommy Novak, who had most recently been Malkin\u2019s place-holder on that second line \u2014 actually, he filled in nicely \u2014 moved down to center the third line.<\/p>\n \u201cToday\u2019s practice, we wanted to see some different things,\u201d Muse said.<\/p>\n As for the power plays. Malkin joined the first unit.<\/p>\n Malkin, 39, was flying when he got hurt, with eight goals, 29 points in 26 games. If he returns Thursday when the New Jersey Devils visit PPG Paints Arena, he will have exactly half the season left.<\/p>\n He will have to be activated from IR, but the Penguins won\u2019t need to make a corresponding move. Rookie forward Rutger McGroarty <\/a>went on IR Wednesday because of a concussion after he left Tuesday\u2019s practice early following a collision.<\/p>\n Penguins Lines<\/p>\n Rickard Rakell-Sidney Crosby-Bryan Rust<\/p>\n Evgeni Malkin-Ben Kindel-Egor Chinakhov<\/p>\n Anthony Mantha-Tommy Novak-Justin Brazeau<\/p>\n Connor Dewar-Blake Lizotte-Noel Acciari<\/p>\n Defense<\/p>\n Parker Wotherspoon-Erik Karlsson<\/p>\n Brett Kulak-Kris Letang<\/p>\n Ryan Shea-Jack St. Ivany <\/p>\n (Kevin Hayes, Ville Koivunen and Connor Clifton were the odd men out)<\/p>\n Power play 1 \u2014 Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Bryan Rust, Rickard Rakell, Erik Karlsson<\/p>\n Power play 2 \u2014 Kris Letang, Justin Brazeau, Anthony Mantha, Ben Kindel, Yegor Chinakhov<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTags: Evgeni Malkin<\/a> Pittsburgh Penguins<\/a> Shelly Anderson<\/a> <\/p>\n