Penguins (Finally) Get Full Attendance; Could Have All Back By Saturday

The Pittsburgh Penguins suddenly appear to be getting close to full health after weeks of dealing with injuries, particularly among their forwards. The team had full attendance Monday for practice at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex.

The only player who appeared to be limited was center Evengi Malkin, who wore a red, no-contact jersey in his return to practice from a lower-body injury he sustained in the second game of the season.

Also returning to practice for the first time since he got hurt was defenseman Brian Dumoulin, who has missed four games because of an undisclosed injury.

Also practicing were Malkin’s regular winger, Alex Galchenyuk (lower body, nine games) and forward Adam Johnson (upper body, two games).

That means everyone who has been out is at least practicing.

Coach Mike Sullivan deemed everyone who has been out, except for Malkin, a game-time decision for Tuesday’s home game against Philadelphia. Malkin said he is hopeful he will return the following game, Saturday afternoon at home against Edmonton.

“It felt good,” Dumoulin said of practicing. “It was a long (road) trip (last week). It was just me, (Malkin) and (Galchenyuk) here. Back on the ice and to see everyone again, it was a good feeling.”

Forwards Bryan Rust and Nick Bjugstad returned from injury Saturday in Dallas.

“I feel there were some good spurts, and some spurts where I tightened up a little bit,” Bjugstad said.

“Whenever you’re injured, there’s more excitement coming back and you’re a little eager. I’m sure the energy will be high around the room. We’re all excited for all the guys to come back.”