The Penguins placed forward Kasperi Kapanen on their covid protocols list, making him the eighth team member currently out due to the virus. With forward Sam Lafferty missing yesterday due to a non-covid illness, coach Mike Sullivan did not have enough bodies to hold a five-on-five scrimmage so he instead focused on drills involving smaller groups.
Sullivan says he is working hard to get the team up to speed for Sunday’s scheduled home game against San Jose.
Evgeni Malkin is getting closer to returning to the Penguins lineup from his off-season knee surgery.
Sullivan likes what he sees from Malkin and admires his work ethic.
Malkin met with the media yesterday for the first time since the surgery in June, and was his typical light-hearted self, apologizing for not wearing a mask but saying his English is so bad that no one would understand him if he wore one.
Malkin is in the final year of his contract and said he would still like to play three or four more years, and he drew a big laugh when he said he’s not thinking about the money.
Malkin says he believes the Penguins have what it takes to challenge for the Stanley Cup again.
Malkin ruled out playing on Sunday, but said within a week to ten days he hopes to rejoin the Penguins’ lineup, perhaps on their upcoming western road trip.
The Penguins have not played since December 19th. They are scheduled to take the ice against the Sharks on Sunday, then play the Blues at home on Wednesday of next week, visit the Flyers in Philadelphia the next night, and then comes the five game road trip to Dallas, Anaheim, San Jose, and Las Vegas starting Saturday, January 8th.
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