It was, of course, just another step in the process for Evgeni Malkin and Kasperi Kapanen.
Even so, simply having them as limited participants in the Penguins' game-day skate Tuesday was a psychological boost for their teammates.
"Seeing them out there is really good for us," Zach Aston-Reese said. "(Malkin) was flying today; (Kapanen), as well. Those are two guys who are just going to add to our offense. We're excited to get them back soon."
How soon that will happen remains to be seen.
Malkin has missed the past 16 games because of an unspecified injury and Kapanen the past 12, and neither will be in uniform when the Penguins face New Jersey tonight at 7:08 at PPG Paints Arena.
There are a few more hurdles to be cleared before either can rejoin the lineup, beginning with getting clearance to be involved in all aspects of on-ice workouts.
"We have ballpark dates in mind of when we think these guys are going to be available, from a full-participation standpoint," Mike Sullivan said. "Obviously, when you get to this stage of the rehab process, every day, we get feedback on these guys and where they're at, and try to make the best decisions we can."
Although Malkin and Kapanen did not take part in line rushes or power-play drills Tuesday, they were involved in a chaotic exercise after the formal portion of the skate. Kapenen ended it by scoring a goal with his stick between his legs, but it did not conclude until both of them had endured some minor jostling along the boards and in front of the net, with no apparent damage done.
"It's real encouraging, from our standpoint, that they're joining the team in practice," Sullivan said. "It's an essential part of the return-to-play, getting these guys around their teammates and also getting them in a read-and-react environment, where they have to make plays spontaneously, (where) they have to deal with belligerence and pushing and shoving in the battle areas That's such an essential element of the game."
MORE FROM THE SKATE
• Sullivan said Tristan Jarry will start in goal tonight.
• Although New Jersey's power play is the third-least efficient in the NHL, converting just 12.9 percent of its chances, Mark Jankowski said there are some individuals to whom the Penguins must pay particular attention when the Devils have a man-advantage. He singled out cited point men P.K. Subban and Ty Smith, although Smith is not expected to play this evening because of an injury sustained Sunday.
• Aston-Reese said he is not overly concerned about going eight games without a goal or five without an assist. "I think it's just a matter of 'puck luck' right now," he said. "When stuff like this happens, you just have to keep working and eventually, you'll get rewarded with bounces."