The Pittsburgh Penguins could be getting a bit of good news this week as forward Evgeni Malkin will be a game-time decision against the Vancouver Canucks at PPG Paints Arena on Tuesday, coach Mike Sullivan told the Penguins official website.
“He felt really strong today,” Sullivan said. “We’ll see how he responds to practice.”
Malkin has missed the past several games due to an undisclosed injury and his return will provide a big boost to the Pens. So far this season, Malkin has tallied 44 points (22 goals, 32 assists) which is tied with Dallas Stars forward Tyler Seguin for seventh among NHL league leaders.
Carl Hagelin (concussion) and Conor Sheary (upper body) also skated and could be poised for returns as well. Hagelin is still in the concussion protocol.
“He’s still status quo,” Sullivan said. “We’ll see how he responds after today and we’ll go from there.”
The outlook isn’t so good for Bryan Rust, who left in the 2nd period during a 4-1 win at the Colorado Avalanche last Thursday, likely will remain sidelined for the long term
“He’s still being evaluated,” Sullivan said, “so reluctant to put a time frame on it at this point.”