Penguins' Evgeni Malkin game-time decision Thursday vs. Capitals

Pittsburgh Penguins star forward Evgeni Malkin may be closer to returning to the lineup than previously thought. 

Per Wes Crosby of the NHL's website, Malkin will be a game-time decision for Thursday's matchup at the rival Washington Capitals. The 34-year-old has missed 21 contests with a lower-body injury believed to be a right knee setback that he suffered versus the Boston Bruins on March 16. He practiced Wednesday wearing a "no contact" jersey and then later took part in both a full-contact practice and a Thursday optional skate. 

Pittsburgh has tallied a record of 14-5-2 during Malkin's absence, as fellow star Sidney Crosby has emerged as a legitimate Hart Trophy candidate. Entering Thursday's action, the Penguins are second in the East Division standings with 67 points, one point behind the Capitals, four ahead of the New York Islanders, five ahead of the Boston Bruins and nine ahead of the New York Rangers. Only the top four clubs from each division qualify for the postseason tournament. 

"When 'Geno' does come back into our lineup, then obviously, it gives us more options to do different things with the groups that we have," Penguins coach Mike Sullivan told reporters about Malkin on Wednesday. 

Malkin has eight goals and 16 assists in 29 games this season. 

Malkin could sit Thursday and then return for Saturday's showdown at Washington. Pittsburgh is set to play five games between May 1 and May 8 to finish its regular-season schedule. 

Either the Penguins or Capitals could potentially clinch a playoff berth Thursday night.