Penguins’ Evgeni Malkin out day-to-day

It hasn’t been reported when Malkin was hurt. The veteran center was in the lineup for the Pens’ latest game last Thursday, scoring two goals and an assist against the Tampa Bay Lightning, helping Pittsburgh grab a 4-3 win.

The 39-year-old had played in each of the team’s first 26 games of the season, and has proven to be one of the team’s most important players as they look to rebound and compete for a playoff spot. With eight goals and a team-leading 21 assists, Malkin sits tied for the team lead with captain Sidney Crosby with 29 points.

Acciari and Brazeau were placed on IR on Nov. 4. Acciari suffered an upper-body injury against the Toronto Maple Leafs the day prior, while Brazeau had already missed a couple of games with a UBI of his own before going on the shelf. Brazeau has six goals and 12 points in 12 games, while Acciari has three assists in 13 appearances.

Brunicke and St. Ivany were placed on conditioning loans at the same time. Brunicke hadn’t played an NHL game since Nov. 3, while St. Ivany had been recovering from a lower-body injury he suffered during the preseason. Brunicke has a goal in nine games with the Penguins.

The Penguins (14-7-5) sit tied with the Philadelphia Flyers for fourth in the Metropolitan Division, both holding the two Wild Card spots in the Eastern Conference.