Malkin has been out since March 16th but will be a game-time decision on Saturday. Malkin has been skating recently but its unclear where he will slot in in his return to the lineup. Malkin, who was red-hot before he got hurt, comes into Saturday with 24 points (8G / 16A) in 29 games.
The Penguins said that Malkin is still being evaluated and will not play on Thursday. Head coach Mike Sullivan said that he hopes to have more information on Malkin in the next day or so, so it sounds like he could miss some time.
Malkin's injury comes on the heels of Teddy Blueger being sidelined "longer-term," so the Penguins centre depth will be put to the test if Malkin can't go Thursday. Luckily, Jared McCann, who is a natural centre but has played some wing this season, could be back in New Jersey.
Malkin left Wednesday's practice early with some discomfort in one of his eyes. Head coach Mike Sullivan called Malkin a game-time decision for Thursday's game but it seems likely that he placed.
Malkin missed the last two games with an illness but was back at practice on Monday and is expected to play Tuesday in Calgary. Since Sidney Crosby got hurt, Malkin is tied for ninth in the NHL with 21 points (6G / 15A) in 14 games.
The Penguins did not hold a morning skate but head coach Mike Sullivan announced that Malkin will miss tonight's game due to an illness. The Penguins will be in tough without Malkin or Sidney Crosby. Joseph Blandisi was recalled this morning and is expected to play in Malkin's place.
Malkin has missed 11 games with a lower-body issue but will be back in his familiar second-line centre and PP1 role this afternoon. Malkin had one goal in two games before getting hurt.
Malkin has missed the last 11 games with a lower-body injury but was on the ice during Friday's practice and has a chance to return on Saturday. Malkin, who has one goal in two games to start the season, remains a game-time decision so monitor his status on Saturday morning.
Malkin returned to the ice on Monday but will not play Tuesday vs. the Flyers. Instead, Malkin is hoping to be back in the lineup vs. the Oilers on Saturday. Continue to monitor Malkin’s status as the weekend approaches.
Durability has always been a concern for Malkin, who has missed 20 percent of the games over the last six years, and now he is expected to miss a large chunk of 2019-20. With Nick Bjugstad also out “longer-term," the Penguins are going to lean heavily on Jared McCann and Teddy Blueger to stabilize their second and third lines.
Malkin has missed the last eight games with an upper-body injury but was on the ice for Wednesday’s practice and will be a game-time decision for Thursday’s game vs. the Red Wings. Malkin centred Phil Kessel and Bryan Rust in today’s session.
