Evgeni Malkin Shares Promising Timeline On Return To Penguins Lineup

The Pittsburgh Penguins have won five straight games, and now the team could get Evgeni Malkin back in the lineup soon.

Malkin last played on Dec. 4 against the Tampa Bay Lightning, when he had two goals and an assist. The star forward has missed the last 15 games, and he expects to draw back into the lineup this week.

“Best feeling, you know?,” Malkin said on Tuesday. “You have more fun. When you skate alone, it’s not great. But good day for me. Tough a little bit, but again, I’m happy to be back with the team, enjoy with guys. One more practice tomorrow (Wednesday), and I hope (to be back) this week.”

Malkin said he woke up the next day after his three-point performance against the Lightning and couldn’t move his shoulder/arm. The hope was the injury wouldn’t be long-term, but Malkin said it’s been tricky to rehab.

“It’s (a) weird injury, but not crazy,” Malkin added. “It’s small things, but it’s annoying. Every day it’s like, pain. And again, last couple of weeks, I do lots of stuff. Last probably three or four days, I feel so much better. And again, I hope (to be) back this week.”

Malkin drawing back into the Penguins’ lineup would be a massive boost to the offense. He also expects to pick up where he left off, especially with how good Pittsburgh has been playing as of late.

“I know what the feeling is like,” Malkin said. “I feel great. My body, I work out every day, my legs feel great. I need to play a couple shifts, and I think I will be fine. We have a great team. My linemates, teammates, they support me so much. You need to play a little bit, and your confidence back, for sure.”

Malkin has recorded eight goals and 21 assists for 29 points in 26 games this season.

The Penguins will return to the ice on Thursday at home against the New Jersey Devils. Pittsburgh is 20-12-9 and holding onto a Wild Card spot.

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