Penguins' Malkin to miss third straight game, out vs. Ducks
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin has been ruled out of his third straight game due to a lower-body injury, coach Mike Sullivan told the team's website on Monday.
Malkin missed the team's trek through the Sunshine State this past weekend and will sit out as Pittsburgh (26-18-7) vies for its sixth win in seven outings on Monday against the Anaheim Ducks (25-18-7). Sullivan didn't shed much light when talking about what he referred to last week as a "nagging" injury to the 2012 Hart Trophy winner.
"He's day to day. Obviously he wasn't comfortable skating this morning with the team so he's obviously not going to play tonight, but his status is day to day."
Malkin scored and set up a goal during the NHL All-Star Game last week and had two assists in Pittsburgh's 6-5 victory over the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday.
Good morning from #Pens skate, where all #Pens are present, except for Malkin. Warsofsky is also on the ice. pic.twitter.com/C9tktO7rXT
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) February 8, 2016
The 29-year-old Russian leads the team in goals (23) and shares top honors in points (49) with captain Sidney Crosby.