UPDATED: Penguins Injuries: Zucker & Matheson Skate, Malkin Takes Maintenance Day

Cranberry Twp — In a step forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins lineup early Sunday morning, injured defenseman Mike Matheson and LW Jason Zucker skated in full pads two hours before the Penguins’ Sunday morning practice at the UPMC Lemieux Complex.

Zucker hasn’t played since Jan. 17, when the Penguins beat the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena. He had core muscle surgery on Jan. 25 and has been out for six weeks.

Stick tap to our competitor and colleague Dave Molinari for being first, and getting the video.

This season, Zucker has 13 points (6-7-13) in 31 games. Last season, a broken leg cost him a large portion of the season, and he played in just 38 of the 56 games.

In two-plus seasons with the Penguins, Zucker has played in only 84 games.

Mike Matheson, 26, was an unexpected addition to the Penguins injured list on Feb. 25 with an upper-body injury. He was termed out week to week.

Matheson has been a steady presence with 21 points (7-14-21) in 50 games this season. He is also a plus-5.

Matheson is in his second season with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Penguins acquired him for Patric Hornqvist.

Also at practice Sunday morning, goalie Louis Domingue was in full gear. Domingue played one game this season and appeared ready to challenge for the backup goalie position, but after a stellar win on Jan. 15, he suffered a freak injury when he was hit by a puck during a morning skate several days later.

Update 1: Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin was not at practice. He was the only regular who was absent. Evan Rodrigues took his spot on the top power play.

Per head coach Mike Sullivan, Malkin had a maintenance day.

Update 2: Sullivan said that was the first time Zucker and Matheson skated. When asked if he could provide an update, he said, “They skated.”

He kept the stone face for a few seconds before laughing and giving the full explanation. THey skated with skills coach Ty Hennes and continue to progress.

PHN is unaware of previous skating sessions for Zucker and Matheson, but cannot confirm it is their first return to the ice. We will update the story after practice when head coach Mike Sullivan addresses the media.