Multiple forwards are absent from practice as the Pittsburgh Penguins return home.

PITTSBURGH – After games on back-to-back nights on the road and an ensuing day off, the Pittsburgh Penguins were down multiple forwards in their first practice back in town. Forwards Evgeni Malkin and Jansen Harkins were both absent from the Penguins skate. Noel Acciari, who was recently diagnosed with a concussion, was also absent as expected.

Acciari did, however, have a solo session before the full team practice. Malkin briefly took to the ice on his own but was not present with his teammates. Harkins exited the game against the Winnipeg Jets in the second period and did not return for the third.

This is the second time Malkin has missed a practice, as Mike Sullivan gave the veteran a maintenance day before departing on the road trip. Nothing is certain yet, but it seems like Malkin could be dealing with a nagging injury.

Malkin has been a step slower most of this season, but the last 10 games have been noticeably off for his standards. Just one goal in that time has left a lot to be desired from the second-line center.

Harkins earned his spot in the Penguins lineup out of training camp, but things haven’t been the same for him since. In 35 games played, he has yet to score a goal and only has four assists to his ledger.

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