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Evgeni Malkin, returning to the lineup for the first time in five games, left Pittsburgh's 3-2 win against Buffalo on Friday night after playing just six minutes with what was originally described as a "lower body injury." He was injured when Sabres defenseman Tyler Myers landed awkwardly on his right knee. On Saturday, Penguins coach Dan Bylsma revealed the damage and it's not good news for the team or the 2008 Conn Smythe Winner. According to Bylsma, Malkin suffered a torn ACL and MCL which will keep him out of the lineup indefinitely.
Said Bylsma, via Sam Kasan of the Penguins website, "This is a difficult injury for him. It was kind of a fluke situation going into the boards with a guy. That's a tough injury for Geno. We have dealt with games without him. We've managed to find our way without him. That's what we're going to have to look at now. We're discussing options with our doctor. Surgery is a possibility. I'm not sure if there is a rehab possibility. But right now I just got the news on the MRI."
In 43 games this season Malkin has 15 goals and 22 assists in what's been a down year for him statistically. Even so, he's still one of Pittsburgh's best players and this is definitely a huge blow to a Stanley Cup contender. The next question for the Penguins is what general Ray Shero has up his sleeve for the NHL's trade deadline in an effort to help fill the void left by Malkin's absence.
Injuries have been an issue for the Penguins centers this season, as Malkin, Sidney Crosby and Jordan Staal have all missed extended periods of time. Crosby is still out of the lineup with a concussion, while Staal missed the first half of the season with a foot injury as well as a broken hand. Rookie Mark Letestu is also set to miss the next 4-6 weeks. Malkin had been out of the lineup previously with a left knee injury and a sinus infection. The torn ACL and MCL are in the right knee.
When all of them are healthy and in the lineup it's arguably the best group of pivots in the league, but because of the injuries they've hardly been together this season.
When Crosby returns to the lineup he'll obviously take over his usual spot on the top line, while Staal will get an opportunity to be the regular No. 2 center.
As of Saturday afternoon the Penguins are just one point behind the Philadelphia Flyers for the top spot in the Eastern Conference.
Here's a look at how the injury happened during Friday's game...
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