On the downside, winger Carl Hagelin was diagnosed with a concussion following a hit he received Saturday night in St. Louis. Hagelin, who skated on his own Monday morning, is undergoing the team's concussion protocol.
On the upside, center Evgeni Malkin rejoined his teammates for team practice Monday for the first time since suffering a lower-body injury Jan. 24 against St. Louis.
"Today was a step forward skating with the team," said Malkin, who wore a grey "no-contact" jersey in practice. "I'm feeling good. I'm taking it day-by-day."
Although it is a positive step on his road to recovery, head coach Mike Sullivan ruled Malkin out of Tuesday's contest against the Calgary Flames.
"(Malkin) will not play (Tuesday)," Sullivan said. "He was in a non-contact jersey today. We were really encouraged with his practice. He felt strong. His next progressions is to get into the contact part of the practice. That'll be the next step."
Malkin has been skating regularly on his own for the past several days, but he was pleased to be back with his teammates.
"It's hard skating by myself, but it's good to see all of my teammates in practice," Malkin said. "I'm glad to be here with the team. I want to be back soon, but I have to be careful. It's not ready, but it's day-by-day."
Malkin has worked a lot on his conditioning while he's been away from the team. Following Monday's hour-long practice, Malkin remained on the ice for an extra 30 minutes to improve his conditioning levels.
"I skated extra, a workout after practice, it's not easy," Malkin said. "A game is different. It doesn't matter how you practice, a game is different. I'll do my best (to be ready)."
PRACTICE NOTES
Hagelin was the only player missing from the team's practice session. Malkin slotted in with Carter Rowney during line rushes.
Kunitz-Crosby-Rust
Guentzel-Bonino-Kessel
Wilson-Malkin/Rowney-Hornqvist
Kuhnhackl-Cullen-Fehr
