The Pittsburgh Penguins remain without Evgeni Malkin in the lineup, as the star forward was ruled out for Thursday's game against the Detroit Red Wings.
According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said that Malkin remains "day-to-day" with a knee injury and will not play on Thursday. Sullivan said that Malkin's return is getting closer and that he needs to get back into practice with the team before moving into the starting lineup. The Penguins have two games this weekend and if Malkin misses those, he could return next week when the team plays the Bruins on Wednesday.
The Gazette reports that Malkin has been able to skate on his own over the past week and that is a positive step as he tries to get back into the lineup. Sullivan said that Malkin is "making progress," but about a return he said that the team hasn't "made that decision" yet. Malkin did not travel with the team for their road trip last weekend and it could be a major step for Malkin if he travels with the team next week for matchups against Boston and Winnipeg.
Malkin will miss his seventh straight game for the Penguins when he sits against the Red Wings and he has not played since February 2 for the team. The Penguins have not been hurt too much with Malkin off the ice, as the team has gone 3-1-2 in the games that he has missed.
Malkin has 49 points in 49 games played this season, including 23 goals and 26 assists. The Penguins are hoping to have him back son, as the team is battling to stay in playoff position in the Eastern Conference.
