(Anaheim) Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin could make his debut this season when his team face the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday night.
Head Coach Mike Sullivan said Monday he expects a decision on the All-Star to be made “at game time” as the Penguins continue their journey west.
Malkin, 35, has not played since undergoing right knee surgery in June. The Russian skated with his teammates for several weeks and recently received the green for contact training.
Malkin was a full participant in practice Monday and worked with the first power play unit. He also trained in the middle of the second line, between Jeff Carter and Kasperi Kapanen.
“We’re trying to tick all the boxes when it comes to the preparation process,” Sullivan said. He worked really hard to get to this point. ”
The Penguins have said Malkin will “at least” miss the first two months of the season, when he underwent his surgery. Sullivan pointed out that his center is still on the team’s healing schedule, even though the season is now three months old.
The Penguins had a good time even though Malkin didn’t play. The Pittsburgh troops are in fourth place in the Metropolitan section and have just seen their streak of 10 wins stopped.
Malkin’s presence could help the power play, however, which occupies 22e echelon of the NHL.
“I think he adds another dimension to the power play,” said Sullivan. With his skills as a playmaker and his landing shot. He is an elite offensive player by the way he thinks the game and his skill in executing them. I think he adds another dimension and it’s more difficult to play defensively against us. ”
Malkin is in the final year of an eight-year contract worth $ 76 million. He also suffered injuries last season, in which he scored 28 points in 33 games.