This marked Carter's first time back with the team after completing his COVID-19 protocol. The 36-year-old forward last played in Pittsburgh's 2-1 shootout loss to Dallas on Oct. 19, with the team announcing that Carter had tested positive on Oct. 21.
"Just from playing against him and being from the same draft class a couple years ago (laughs), he's a freak, in a good way," fellow veteran Brian Boyle smiled. "He's a horse. Obviously, he's a hard worker and a great pro, but he's pretty gifted too. You're going to have to ask him, but from what I saw today, it looks like same old Carts."
And according to Carter, he felt good, which is something he reiterated to Sullivan.
"I talked to him after the practice. He was really encouraged," Sullivan said. "As of right now, his status would be a game-time decision, but we're certainly really encouraged with what we saw today."
Before today, Carter had to isolate at home for a 10-day period and remained asymptomatic the entire time, which meant he was able to ride an exercise bike and continue to train. While none of it replicates on-ice situations, it did help Carter keep up his conditioning to the best of his ability.
"It was kind of interesting, because I did feel completely normal," Carter said of the process. "I had no symptoms the whole time. I felt like I do today. It was kind of frustrating in one sense, because I was sitting there and I felt good, and it felt like I could be out there. But obviously, I knew that I was positive, and you have to follow the protocols. You have to think about everyone else, too, family and teammates. You don't want to spread that around."
