Penguins Practice: Malkin, Letang Return

The Pittsburgh Penguins had all expected players on the ice for practice Tuesday at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex, including two players who were absent or limited on Monday.

Defenseman Kris Letang was back. He left Monday’s practice early and is “nicked up,” according to coach Mike Sullivan.

Center Evgeni Malkin, who sat out Monday’s practice for a maintenance day – his second maintenance day in a week – took a few spins around the ice in a track suit an hour before Tuesday’s practice. He then returned in full gear about 20 minutes before practice and ahead of any of his teammates.

Both were full participants in all the drills.

Coming up are back-to-back games Wednesday at home against the Florida Panthers and Thursday on the road against the Chicago Blackhawks.

The Penguins are without forwards Noel Acciari and Jansen Harkins, who have concussions, and Matt Nieto, who is recovering from knee surgery.