Malkin going on the trip to Long Island. Not ruled in or out
Malkin skated on the second line today which is a strong indication he could be healthy for tomorrow's game. As always, stay tuned for a further update.
Previous reports had Malkin not ruled out tonight's game. By all accounts, he has looked better in practice and probably draws back in shortly. After a setback on his surgically repaired knee, the Pens have no need to rush him back.
Penguins center Evgeni Malkin returned to practice Friday at Consol Energy Center and has not been ruled out of a home game tonight against New Jersey.
Somewhat better news for fantasy hockey owners although the more time he takes to recover, the better he will likely play down the stretch. Stay tuned for a further update.
The Penguins have arrived in Winnipeg, but the team reports that center Evgeni Malkin and three other injured players did not make the two-game trip, which includes a game against the Jets on Monday and a game at Minnesota on Tuesday. The others who didn't travel are Sidney Crosby (concussion), Brooks Orpik (abdomen) and Dustin Jeffrey (knee). They have not played this season.
Don't expect to see any of these four players in the lineup over the next two road games. Through the team's first six games, they boast a league-best eight points.
The right knee he had surgically repaired last February is flaring with troublesome scar tissue, or so I suspect based on asking a few questions of Penguins personnel this week. Malkin has spent a lot of time after practices – and more after the game Thursday – receiving treatment on that knee.
Malkin should sit out a few games before returning. At less than 100 percent he remains one of the most dynamic players in the League. Expect him to draw back into the lineup when healthy.