Evgeni Malkin (foot) skated before Friday's practice but doesn't appear close to returning to game action, the Penguins' website reports.

Malkin (foot) skated before Friday's practice but doesn't appear close to returning to game action, the Penguins' website reports.

Analysis:

Pens coach Dan Bylsma weaved his way around Malkin's possible return. "I think really what's more important is the health of the player than it is to play a game ... The health of the player is the most important thing," Bylsma said. "If that's rest to get before the playoffs, that will be it. If we have the opportunity to get him back in a game, we'll take it, but we're not going to rush him back just to get that 60 minutes of hockey." Malkin hasn't played since suffering a broken foot March 23 against St. Louis.