Less than one week in to the 2019-2020 NHL regular season, the Pittsburgh Penguins have suffered two decent-sized blows to their roster already. The Penguins announced on Monday that Evgeni Malkin is out indefinitely after a fall in to the boards on Saturday. The incident took place in the second period of the Penguins' 7-2 blowout of the Columbus Blue Jackets, as the high-scorer did not return to the contest. Head coach Mike Sullivan called the injury "longer term" as it was officially listed as a lower-body injury.
Malkin was held to just 68 games a season ago, and he recorded just 21 goals on the year, which was his lowest total since the 2012-2013 season. He did get off to a quick start this year, scoring the Penguins' lone goal in their season-opening loss to the Buffalo Sabres. The team had high hopes for Malkin to bounce back this season after watching how hard he worked in the off-season, but that bounce back has been put on hold for now.
The 33-year-old is now the third forward to land on the injury report for the Penguins, joining Bryan Rust, who began the season there, and now Nick Bjugstad. The latter was also injured on Saturday, but Sullivan does not expect him to be out as long as Malkin. Although, these injuries add more pressure to veteran Sidney Crosby after Phil Kessel was traded to the Arizona Coyotes in the off-season. The 1-1, short-handed Penguins will play host to the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday night.
Malkin was held to just 68 games a season ago, and he recorded just 21 goals on the year, which was his lowest total since the 2012-2013 season. He did get off to a quick start this year, scoring the Penguins' lone goal in their season-opening loss to the Buffalo Sabres. The team had high hopes for Malkin to bounce back this season after watching how hard he worked in the off-season, but that bounce back has been put on hold for now.
The 33-year-old is now the third forward to land on the injury report for the Penguins, joining Bryan Rust, who began the season there, and now Nick Bjugstad. The latter was also injured on Saturday, but Sullivan does not expect him to be out as long as Malkin. Although, these injuries add more pressure to veteran Sidney Crosby after Phil Kessel was traded to the Arizona Coyotes in the off-season. The 1-1, short-handed Penguins will play host to the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday night.
