Evgeni Malkin News

Malkin will not travel to Buffalo for the Penguins game on Tuesday, which puts his status for Thursday’s game in Ottawa in question as well. Monitor Malkin’s status as the week progresses.

Malkin missed the Penguins’ morning skate and will miss tonight’s contest with an upper-body injury. Head coach Mike Sullivan said that Malkin has been dealing with an upper-body injury “for a while” and that they will “know more soon.”

Malkin has missed the last seven games with a lower-body injury, but he skated on the third line in Monday's practice as well as taking reps on the top power play unit, so all signs point towards him playing tomorrow. However, Mike Sullivan listed him as a game-time decision so monitor his status in tomorrow's morning skate.

Malkin will miss tomorrow’s game and will be held out of the All-Star game. Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan said that Malkin will be re-evaluated and the Penguins should offer a more detailed timetable when they know more.

Malkin took part in the Penguins’ practice on Friday and it looks like he could return for Game 2. He centred a line with Conor Sheary and Bryan Rust on the wings, but due to the early start on Saturday, there will be no morning skate. Monitor his status a few hours before puck-drop.

Malkin has been out since March 11th and remains day-to-day. He reportedly skated prior to the Penguins practice, but did not take part in the practice session. All signs are pointing towards him missing the start of the series, but could be back later in the series or to start the second round.

Malkin missed 10 games with a knee injury, but will return to the Penguins lineup on Saturday vs. the Jets. Malkin has 23 goals and 26 assists (49 points) in 52 games this season and should be activated in all formats. The Jets have given up 17 goals in their last four games, so this matchup offers a lot of promise for Malkin.

Malkin will not play on Thursday vs. the Red Wings, but has been skating and is expected to return to the lineup soon. With Malkin out, Matt Cullen is expected to remain in the top-6.

Malkin was already ruled of for Wednesday’s game vs. the Rangers but head coach Mike Sullivan ruled him out of the two-game road trip on Friday and Monday. His next chance to return will be next Thursday vs. the Red Wings.