On the Pittsburgh Penguins …
Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Evgeni Malkin practiced yesterday in a no-contract jersey, but he did take a bit of contact at practice yesterday. It was the first contact he’s taken since he suffered his lower-body injury on January 24th. Malkin will travel with the team on their two-game road trip.
“We’re trying to slowly introduce him into the battles to make sure that we give him the best chance to recover the right way,” Sullivan said. “He’s making progress. That’s encouraging. We’ll take it day-to-day.”
Defenseman Kris Letang was given a maintenance day yesterday.
Forward Carl Hagelin skated before practice and won’t be traveling with the team.
On the Boston Bruins …
Joe Haggerty of CSNNE: Defenseman Zdeno Chara missed his second straight day of practice yesterday.
“He’s still under the weather, so he’ll be a game time decision tomorrow ,” said new coach Bruce Cassidy of Chara after practice Wednesday.
On the Detroit Red Wings …
Pete Wallner: Jimmy Howard left last night’s AHL game, looking like he was favoring his leg.
Pete Wallner: Red Wings GM Ken Holland said that Howard “felt tweak” but doctors said he’s okay. He’ll undergo some test this morning.
Pete Wallner: The minor tweak was in his right knee.
Helene St. James: Frans Nielsen and Niklas Kronwall practiced yesterday in no-contract jerseys.
Ted Kulfan: Both Nielsen and Kronwall are hopeful to be able to return to the lineup on the weekend. It’s not a sure thing that they’ll be able to.
On the New York Islanders …
New York Islanders: Coach Doug Weight: “Clutterbuck might be back on the ice Friday or Saturday. Hamonic is still doing rehab, but moving in the right direction.”