Evgeni Malkin returned to the Pittsburgh Penguins lineup on Friday night after missing five games and the NHL All-Star game, but now it looks like that return was a cameo. Penguins coach Dan Bylsma told reporters today that Malkin has both a torn MCL and ACL in his right knee. He most likely will need season-ending surgery.
Evgeni Malkin’s Knee Injury Will Require Surgery, Sideline Penguins Star For Season
“We’re discussing options with our doctor,” Bylsma said after practice. “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.”
Malkin ended up playing only six minutes in his brief return to action on Friday against Buffalo. He left the game for good early in the second period after the Sabres’ Tyler Myers landed on his leg. The Penguins won the game,3-2 at Consol Engery Center, and had gone 4-1 without Malkin while he sat out with a sinus infection.
"It'd be great to convince ourselves [that the Penguins are better when Malkin isn't playing]," goalie Marc-Andre Fleury told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette after the win on Friday. "But I don't think so."
Malkin has 15 goals and 22 assists this season in 43 games
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