As the world awaits the 4 Nations Face-off championship game between Team USA and Team Canada on Thursday, the Pittsburgh Penguins got back to work on Tuesday.
Without head coach Mike Sullivan, captain Sidney Crosby, defenseman Erik Karlsson, and forward Rickard Rakell – who have all participated in 4 Nations – the rest of the team took to the ice.
And there were two welcome sights.
Forwards Evgeni Malkin and Bryan Rust – both on injured reserve with lower-body injuries prior to the 4 Nations break – skated in full contact capacity with the team on Tuesday. According to assistant coach Mike Vellucci – filling in for Sullivan as far as media availability – forward Boko Imama is still day-to-day.
The break may have helped to rejuvenate the group in a way everyone needed. And everyone – Malkin and Rust included – was eager to get back on the ice.
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“I thought [Tuesday’s] practice had great pace,” Vellucci said. “Lots of energy. Execution wasn’t great, but you expect that after being off for eight days. But the energy was great, and I think it’s just helpful to have a little break and some family time.”
And the importance of having both Rust and Malkin back at practice for four days before the Penguins’ return-to-play against the Washington Capitals on Saturday is huge.
“It’s great to have them back,” Vellucci said. “And I thought they looked great, both of them. Their execution was pretty good. I’m sure their lungs hurt a little bit, but the rest of their game looked really well.”
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Another welcome sight at practice was the arrival of defenseman Vladislav Kolyachonok, who the Penguins claimed off of waivers from the Utah Hockey Club on Feb. 9. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound blueliner’s versatility and ability to man both the right and left side will be a huge plus for a defensive corps that may look quite different after the Mar. 7 trade deadline.
The 23-year-old had been in and out of Utah’s lineup for most of the season – he had two goals and five points in 23 games – and he is looking forward to some bigger opportunity with his new club.
“I just try to be my best version every day no matter what, either playing in the game or being scratched,” Kolyachonok said. “I was preparing myself for the chance either there or somewhere else.
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“Super excited to be here. It’s a new start, a new page. I can’t wait to play, and I just want to be on the ice as soon as possible.”
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