Penguins happy to see Malkin on skates and recovering

WASHINGTON — The sight of Evgeni Malkin on the ice brought a smile to many in the Pittsburgh Penguins’ locker-room.

Even knowing they wouldn’t have him in the lineup for Game 1 of their second-round National Hockey League playoff series against the Washington Capitals on Thursday night, the back-toback defending Stanley Cup champions could glean some optimism that the skilled Russian centre won’t be out long with his apparent leg injury.

“It’s always nice to see a guy like him out there,” winger Bryan Rust said Thursday after an optional morning skate.

“He’s a guy who’s obviously really important to our team and brings so much. Just to see him out there and see him getting closer is nice.”

Coach Mike Sullivan said Malkin skating “means he’s that much closer” to playing, even if the 31-year-old was wearing a white no-contact jersey.

Malkin travelling with the team to Washington plus the progress he appears to be making could put him in line to return as soon as Game 2 Sunday afternoon.

“It’s great for our team, great for Geno that he’s on the ice and skating,” Sullivan said. “He’s a big part of this team. He’s a difference-maker and not an easy guy to replace.”

Pittsburgh beat Philadelphia in Game 6 without Malkin, who was injured in Game 5 on April 20 and hadn’t practised since.

“We have the depth on our roster,” Tom Kuhnhackl said.

“We’ve showed that before. At the end, it doesn’t matter who’s in the lineup and who’s out. Everyone’s capable of playing the right way.”