Penguins' Evgeni Malkin nearing return from lower-body injury

Pittsburgh Penguins star forward Evgeni Malkin hasn't played since he suffered a lower-body injury versus the Boston Bruins on March 16. 

Per the Associated Press (h/t ESPN) and Chris Adamski of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, though, Malkin practiced Wednesday wearing a "no contact" jersey and is set to travel with the club for a road trip that begins with Thursday's matchup against the rival Washington Capitals. It's believed Malkin has been recovering from a right knee injury. 

Malkin recorded eight goals and 16 assists in 29 games before the issue. 

Pittsburgh has tallied a 14-5-2 record since Malkin was sidelined, meaning head coach Mike Sullivan has no reason to immediately rush the three-time Stanley Cup champion back into the lineup. Following Tuesday'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 and five ahead of the Boston Bruins. The top four clubs from each division qualify for the playoffs. 

Pittsburgh is currently scheduled to finish the regular season on May 8 versus the Buffalo Sabres, meaning Malkin will have multiple opportunities to shake off any lingering rust before the postseason starts even if he doesn't play Thursday.