Penguins star Evgeni Malkin out at least two games due to COVID-19 protocol

As they feared, the Pittsburgh Penguins will come off the All-Star break without one of their best overall players available for multiple games. 

It was learned Monday that superstar forward Evgeni Malkin entered the COVID-19 protocol and, as a result, would likely be unable to participate in Tuesday's contest at the Boston Bruins. Per the NHL's website, Penguins coach Mike Sullivan has since confirmed Malkin won't play Tuesday night or in Thursday's matchup at the Ottawa Senators. 

It's unknown if Malkin will be cleared in time to take the ice at the New Jersey Devils on Sunday afternoon.

"Obviously we are disappointed," Sullivan remarked. "We feel like we are a better team with 'Geno' in our lineup. As far as the guys that we will put in the lineup, this isn't anything we haven't dealt with all year. We have a deep roster and versatility."

While the Penguins lost their last four consecutive contests before the break, Malkin has enjoyed a nine-game point streak that included three goals and seven assists over that period. In his absence, forwards Michael Chaput and Valtteri Puustinen were recalled from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League. 

Pittsburgh heads into Tuesday evening third in the Metropolitan Division standings with 62 points and trailing the first-place Carolina Hurricanes by three points.