The Pittsburgh Penguins are currently in a race for the top spot in the Eastern Conference standings. They sit at 13-6 and tied for 26 points for the current conference leader, Montreal. The Penguins quest for No. 1 just got a bit harder. Pittsburgh announced Monday that star Evgeni Malkin will be placed on injured reserve after sustaining a concussion.
Malkin was diagnosed with a concussion on Sunday after reportedly suffering from severe headaches and mild disorientation. He was first injured during a Feb. 22 game against the Florida Panthers. He collided with defenseman Erik Gudbranson and fell into the end boards, back-first. His head swung back and took the impact on the boards. He stayed on the ice will being attended to by trainers. He was able to get up and skate off the ice on his own, but headed to the locker room immediately.
"After the hit in the previous game, Evgeni suffered some short-term memory loss and therefore was diagnosed with a concussion. He's had no other symptoms. He's feeling fine and his memory is returning," head coach Dan Bylsma said.
In 18 games this season, Malkin has recorded four goals and 21 points. He is the previous winner of the Hart Trophy, given to the NHL's MVP. Replacing him will not be easy. For now, Brandon Sutter will take Malkin's spot in the lineup. So far, Malkin is averaging 30 minutes of ice time a night. Along with the four goals and 21 points, he also has 17 assists. Last season, Malkin knocked in 50 goals, along with 59 assists. With the shortened season, losing him for any period of time could hurt the Penguins chances to wrap up the top spot in the conference.
Pittsburgh has not given a timetable for Malkin's return. Concussions can knock players out for weeks or the rest of the season. Bylsma said the team will resume standard protocol and will be able to move forward without Malkin. The Penguins were able to get the victory on Sunday against Tampa Bay without Malkin.
"He's feeling pretty good right now, so as we go forward in the next few days, standard protocol will be followed," Bylsma said.
