In his first game back after missing five games with a injured left knee, Pittsburgh Penguins star Evgeni Malkin is now out for the immediate future when he suffered a torn ACL and MCL against Buffalo Friday night. Pittsburgh coach Dan Bylsma said “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.”
Malkin won the Art Ross and Conn Smythe awards during the Stanley Cup season in 2009, but has been slowed by injuries over the last two seasons. He’s played in 43 of Pittsburghs 53 games this season, registering 15 goals and 37 points. Currently Pittsburgh is one point in the division and conference standings behind Pennsylvania rival Philadelphia.
The Penguins has suffered various injuries to key players this season including forwards Jordan Staal, Sidney Crosby, and goalie Brent Johnson.
Disappointing end to a disappointing season. This guy has tons of talent and since the 2009 season he just hasn’t been the same player. I wonder if he is that good of a player that we saw that season or is he just a nice player that was playing next to Crosby. He is signed to a long term deal so he likely wont be going anywhere any time soon. He didn’t seem to have a position this season bouncing from center to wing and various line mates. Pittsburgh has got to find a way to use him effectively next season and I think it will be with Crosby. That is the only way to match his previous production.
I understand the idea of trying to split them up to get better defensive match ups but realistically most good teams consist of one power line and lots of role players. The Red Wings run out Datsyuk and Zetterburg on the same line. Vancover doesn’t separate the Sedins. It can be done with a great deal of success and I’m surprised that the Pittsburgh coaching staff hasn’t kept them together for the super line.