Penguins star Evgeni Malkin could return Sunday

It was learned Tuesday that Pittsburgh Penguins superstar forward Evgeni Malkin would be unavailable for at least two games, matchups at the Boston Bruins and Ottawa Senators, because he entered the COVID-19 protocol shortly after the All-Star break. 

Pittsburgh ended a frustrating four-game losing streak via Tuesday's 4-2 victory in Boston and gave fans more good news Wednesday when head coach Mike Sullivan said Malkin may be good to go for Sunday's contest at the New Jersey Devils. 

"It is my understanding that 'Geno' tested out of the protocol today," Sullivan explained, per the NHL's website. "I am still waiting on confirmation on Geno. If that is the case, he will be available Sunday against New Jersey."

Malkin was on a nine-game point streak, during which he tallied three goals and seven assists, before last weekend's All-Star festivities and his unexpected absence. Across his first 12 games of the campaign coming off knee surgery he underwent in June, he's recorded five goals and eight assists. 

Following Tuesday's action, Pittsburgh is tied for second in the Metropolitan Division standings with 64 points, one back of the first-place Carolina Hurricanes. The New York Rangers also have 64 points.