11:10AM Tuesday
March 12, 2013

Still headache-free and with his short-term memory completely returned, Evgeni Malkin went through a full-contact practice with many of his Pittsburgh Penguins teammates Sunday.

Malkin, who has missed the past four games due to a concussion, said he ''felt pretty good'' immediately after the workout at a suburban rink.

Coach Dan Bylsma said the next step was for Malkin to pass an imPACT test. The team did not rule out a return Monday when the Penguins host the Tampa Bay Lightning, but Malkin indicated he'd prefer more time.

''Good practice today, but I need a couple more, I think,'' last year's NHL MVP and scoring champion said, who said the practice was not vigorous. ''It was just a little bit tough to push my back and shoulders. But we will see. I feel pretty good, so we'll see the next step.''

Malkin was speaking to the media for the first time since he was injured colliding with the boards during a win over Florida Feb. 22. He has skated on h