Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin was back on the ice at practice on Sunday, an encouraging sign as the Russian star recovers from a concussion.
"I feel pretty good, had a good practice on the ice," Malkin said on the Penguins' website. "I skated with the team and used a little contact. I feel good.
"It was a good practice, but I need a couple more (before I play)," Malkin said.
Penguins head coach Dan Bylsma pointed out that there is still no timetable for a possible return to action for Malkin.
"(He has) had a couple sessions on the ice, two days of off-ice workouts where he went hard, and (on Sunday) he was cleared for contact," said Bylsma. "We saw him go through three drills designed to provide him with that contact. He did well. He still needs to pass an Impact test. We're going on protocol."
Malkin was hurt on Feb. 22 after he crashed into the end boards against the Florida Panthers.
"It looked bad, but it wasn't bad because my neck isn't sore. I just lost memory. In the highlights it looks bad, but wasn't as bad as it looked."
Malkin has said that since the incident, he has not suffered from any headaches.
"It's good because it wasn't too bad," he said. "I feel pretty good right now. We'll see, maybe I'll come back soon."
Malkin has four goals and 17 assists in 18 games this season.
