SAN JOSE, Calif. — Defenseman Olli Maatta practiced with the Penguins for the first time this afternoon at the SAP Center since a shove from behind hospitalized him on Nov. 18.
Maatta has not yet been cleared for contact, but his return to practice indicates he is on or ahead of schedule.
“Can’t remember what happened, it happened so quick,” said Maatta. “Obviously didn’t feel good. I think we got lucky if you could say that.”
The Penguins originally feared internal organ damage, but were able to rule that out after an overnight stay at the hospital.