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After their 5-2 win over the New York Rangers in Game 1, the Pittsburgh Penguins could be getting closer to full strength for Game 2. After both participated in practice, Evgeni Malkin and Marc-Andre Fleury sounded more optimistic about their chances of playing Saturday.

Malkin was a full participant in the team’s practice Friday and told reporters that he is excited to play, declaring himself a game-time decision.

Fleury was a little less committed to playing, but didn't rule out the possibility that he could be in action. It's all going to depend on how he's feeling.

Head coach Mike Sullivan said after practice that both players are still labeled as day-to-day, but that their progress was “very promising.”

With this being the playoffs, you never know exactly how accurate an injury report will be from one day to the next or how much is posturing. After all, Fleury was in practice for the Penguins one day and not dressed for the following game. So take everything from players and coaches with a grain of salt. 

That said, having the two days off between Games 1 and 2 definitely gives the Pens more time to get healthy. In addition to Fleury and Malkin, Beau Bennett and Bryan Rust also participated in practice. The Penguins had to use seven defensemen in their last game with the injuries they’re facing at forward.

They still managed to have a field day with the Rangers despite the depleted roster. Now imagine how things will go with more of their forwards available, especially Malkin.

The Penguins’ star forward could end up being slotted alongside Sidney Crosby for a terrifying line. That would keep the other groups that are showing some level of consistency at this stage of the season to stay together.

Malkin has been out since mid-March so it could take him a little while to get up to speed with a team that has been racking up wins with stunning regularity even in his absence. Elite players like Malkin tend not to take too long to join the fray.

Fleury has been sidelined for the last two weeks with a concussion. Saturday will mark 14 days exactly since he sustained the injury. While third-string goalie Jeff Zatkoff performed well in Game 1, making 35 saves, there’s no doubt the Pens will hope to have their No. 1 between the pipes as soon as Fleury’s health will allow.

Meanwhile, the Rangers are still hoping to get Henrik Lundqvist back after he was forced out of Game 1 early with an eye injury. Lundqvist did practice with the Rangers Friday and occupied the net usually reserved for the next game’s starter according to Pat Leonard of the Daily News.

It looks like this series is about to get a little more star power back.

Evgeni Malkin says he is a game-time decision for Game 2. (USATSI)
Evgeni Malkin says he is a game-time decision for Game 2. (USATSI)