Penguins' Evgeni Malkin out for Thursday's game vs. Capitals
Pittsburgh Penguins fans unsurprisingly will have to wait a little longer to see star forward Evgeni Malkin take the ice for competitive action.
The Penguins confirmed that the 34-year-old is out for Thursday's matchup at the rival Washington Capitals due to the lower-body injury he first suffered playing against the Boston Bruins on March 16:
Malkin had missed 21 games heading into Thursday afternoon due to what is rumored to be a right knee injury but took part in a full-contact practice and also in Thursday's optional skate. It was thought Penguins coach Mike Sullivan could insert Malkin into the lineup because the three-time Stanley Cup champion is running out of time to shake any rust off before the playoffs.
Pittsburgh finishes its regular season with five games between May 1 and May 8, starting with Saturday's contest at Washington. Malkin, who has eight goals and 16 assists in 29 games during the 2020-21 campaign, may return this weekend if he's deemed fit. The Penguins went 14-5-2 across their first 21 games without Malkin's services.
The Penguins and Capitals began Thursday's showdown knowing either could potentially clinch a postseason berth depending on other results.
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