Against the backdrop of a week that has been chaotic around the NHL because covid-19, the Pittsburgh Penguins’ practice in Cranberry on Saturday was pretty normal.
Sure, a handful of players were absent, but for typical hockey-related ailments.
But prior to practice, the NHL and the NHL’s Players Association (NHLPA) announced enhanced measures in response to the multitude of players around the league who have tested positive for the virus.
Several of the rules that were in place for the pandemic-shortened 2020-21 season have been re-instituted until Jan. 1.
Most notably, players and staffers now must test daily for the virus instead of every three days.
Penguins defenseman Kris Letang, the team’s representative to the NHLPA, elaborated on the measures.
“Last year, we were wearing masks everywhere in the (dressing) room,” Letang said. “We had to have virtual meetings instead of in-room meetings. We’re not allowed to go to restaurants or bars or any public place on the road. We could only (get room services or food delivery). That is back in place to make sure we take all (precautions) possible to not spread the virus.”
So far, 20 games have been postponed league-wide, and more than 70 players were in the NHL’s protocol for covid-19 by Saturday evening.
“This thing is not going anywhere,” Letang said. “It’s going to be part of our lives. I don’t know what’s the right decision to make, to be honest. … It’s tough to know what to think when you clearly know it’s going to be around for a very long time.”
The NHLPA has begun looking at how counterparts in the NBA and NFL are dealing with the virus. Both leagues also have struggled with the virus this past week.
“Obviously, we want the safety of all the guys,” Letang said. “Health and safety is the most important thing. The fact that there’s other leagues around us that have different protocol, that’s what we look at and see how they manage everything. That’s been the discussion.”
Currently, the only member of the team in the league’s protocols is skating and skills development coach Ty Hennes. The Penguins have had eight players and head coach Mike Sullivan spend time in protocols for covid-19 this season. Aside from Hennes, no member of the Penguins has missed a game because of the virus since Nov. 14.
Zucker sidelined, Malkin increases participation
Penguins forward Jason Zucker was absent from practice Saturday for what was termed as a “maintenance day” by Sullivan.
In 29 games this season, Zucker has 10 points (four goals, six assists).
To replace him in line rushes, the Penguins had a pretty interesting substitute in Evgeni Malkin.
Still recovering from offseason surgery to his right knee, Malkin skated on the left wing of the second line but was not a full participant in terms of contact.
“He had limited contact,” Sullivan said. “The practice didn’t involve a whole lot of contact in it. But certainly, his participation was as close as we’ve gotten to 100%. But he’s still in a limited-contact fashion.”
Malkin has been designated to long-term injured reserve since the start of the season.
Injured forwards Jake Guentzel (right hand) and Bryan Rust (undisclosed) skated before practice. Both are on injured reserve.
