Plotnikov skated with Evgeni Malkin and Phil Kessel on Friday during practice, Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

Plotnikov started the season with Malkin but was removed from the line because of a slow first step and little scoring. Since then he's established himself a little bit as a bottom-six grinder. He suffers from a propensity for falling down easily and doesn't get many calls from referees, so it'll be interesting to see how his second go-around with Malkin turns out. Plotnikov has one assist in six games.