PITTSBURGH, US NEWS: The Pittsburgh Penguins received disappointing news on Tuesday regarding one of their top performers, as forward Evgeni Malkin has been downgraded to week to week with an upper body injury.
Team officials confirmed the update, placing the veteran center on injured reserve. This marks a shift from the initial day to day designation, signaling that Malkin could be absent for several weeks. His extended time out comes at a critical juncture for the Penguins, who rely heavily on his playmaking to fuel their offense in the competitive Metropolitan Division.
At 39 years old, Malkin continues to defy expectations in the NHL. In 28 games this season, he has racked up eight goals and 21 assists, totaling 29 points while maintaining a plus 8 rating. Those numbers underscore his enduring skill and vision on the ice, making his absence a significant blow to the teams scoring depth and momentum.
Compounding the challenge, the Penguins also announced that forward Blake Lizotte will join Malkin on the injured reserve list with a week to week status. Lizotte, a gritty contributor known for his tenacity, has appeared in 27 games, notching three goals and five points overall with a plus 1 rating. His role in providing energy and secondary scoring will be missed as Pittsburgh navigates this period without two key pieces.
As the Penguins look ahead, coaches and players alike will need to rally around the remaining roster to maintain their position in the standings. Updates on both players recoveries will be closely watched in the coming days, with hopes for a swift return to full strength.