Evgeni Malkin is out for Thursday's matchup at the rival Washington Capitals due to the lower-body injury. Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Penguins' Evgeni Malkin out for Thursday's game vs. Capitals

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 4/29/21

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:

Here's the Penguins' lineup for tonight's matchup with the Capitals ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/hzKhkrT3rn
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) April 29, 2021

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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