Penguins defenseman Olli Maatta returned to practice Friday for the first time since taking a high, late hit from Capitals defenseman Brooks Oprik in Game 2 of the teams’ second-round series six days earlier.
Maatta did, however, wear a yellow non-contact jersey, and Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said he does not expect him to play in Game 5 Saturday as the Penguins try to close out their second-round series against the Capitals. The Penguins lead the series 3-1.
“Olli’s making progress, but we don’t envision him playing in Game 5,” Sullivan said.
Maatta had little to say about the hit, for which Orpik was suspended three games, but said he feels like he has made progress over the last few days.