Malkin Goes Through Full-Contact Practice
PITTSBURGH (KDKA/AP) – The Penguins' Evgeni Malkin was back in full swing during practice Sunday.
Still headache-free and with his short-term memory completely returned, Malkin went through a full-contact practice with many of his Pittsburgh Penguins teammates.
"I feel pretty good to practice on the ice today," Malkin said after practice Sunday.
Malkin was not wearing any sort of non-contact jersey Sunday, and teammates said they weren't instructed to treat him any differently than they would for a normal workout.
Malkin had been out for four games after crashing into the boards during a game against the Panthers Feb. 22. He was tangled up with Florida defenseman, Erik Gudbranson before sliding back-first into the end boards.
- Watch Malkin talk about practice Sunday:
Malkin stayed down on the ice for a brief period of time before skating off under his own power and did not return to the game.
After his injury, it was reported he was experiencing concussion-like symptoms.
This past Thursday and Friday, Malkin was back on the ice skating and even got attention for sinking a puck in a bag from halfway down the ice.
Coach Dan Bylsma said the next step was for Malkin to pass an imPACT test. The team did not rule out a return Monday when the Penguins host the Tampa Bay Lightning, but Malkin indicated he'd prefer more time.
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