(UPDATED) Penguins Practice: Malkin Ailing, Nieto Gets Day Off

CRANBERRY — Evgeni Malkin, the Pittsburgh Penguins’ second-line center, did not take part in practice today at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex because he is ill, coach Mike Sullivan said.

“(Malkin) wasn’t feeling well, so we told him to stay home and get some rest,” Sullivan said.

Sullivan said fourth-line left winger Matt Nieto did not practice because he was given a “maintenance day.”

Both participated in the Penguins’ 5-3 victory in Columbus Tuesday night.

Their status for a game against New Jersey Thursday night at PPG Paints Arena Thursday was not immediately known.

Injured defenseman John Ludvig, in a regular jersey rather than a no-contact one, practiced with his teammates for the second time this week.

Sullivan said that, as part of his rehab, Ludvig will be given a conditioning assignment to the Penguins’ farm team in Wilkes-Barre for a “game or two.”

Backup goalie Alex Nedeljkovic, who is eligible to rejoin the lineup Sunday against Vegas after a stint on the Long-Term Injured list, also was a full participant in the workout.

“That’s obviously the final step before he joins the group and has an opportunity to play for us,” Sullivan said.