Injury updates emerge for Rickard Rakell and Jack St. Ivany at Penguins practice

Rickard Rakell's return from a hand injury was supposed to keep him out for a 6-to-8-week recovery window. He was seen on the ice today practising in a regular jersey, which was a very positive sign.

After surgery in late October, he wasn't expected to be back before the holiday break. When he's healthy, Rakell should fit into a top-six role and see time in every situation.

Jack St. Ivany, who dealt with a lower-body issue in early October, did skate in practice in his regular jersey, but his absence will extend longer and, once fully recovered, may finish the season with AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

It wasn't all good news for the Penguins on Tuesday. Both Evgeni Malkin and Blake Lizotte were put on injured reserve. The 39-year-old Malkin missed Sunday's game against Dallas because of an upper-body injury.

He's recorded eight goals and a team-leading 21 assists in 26 games this season. Lizotte is 27 and also has an undisclosed injury; he played against Dallas, recording about 14 minutes of ice time, and has three goals and two assists in 27 games.

To fill the gaps, the Penguins recalled forwards Danton Heinen and Sam Poulin. Heinen is a 575-game veteran who has one assist in nine games this season.

Last year, he had 29 points in 79 games with Pittsburgh and Vancouver. Poulin, 24, has played two games, yet to record a point.

The Penguins return to the ice on Tuesday against the Anaheim Ducks, looking to start building momentum despite the injuries to key players.