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Anthony Mantha reveals what he’s hearing on Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang's absence
Photo credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang skipping Pittsburgh Penguins practice hit the fanbase like a gut punch.
It happened Friday at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex, and the team promised a status update Saturday.
Anthony Mantha was the one who put words to what the room is trying to sell.
In the post below, Mantha says he thinks they’re available, it’s just a practice, and it’s older guys taking care of their bodies.
He even adds the blunt part, when you’re closer to 40 your body aches every day.
That’s a veteran teammate trying to lower the temperature, fast.
Because the facts on paper still look messy.
Both alternate captains played Thursday in the 6-2 win over Chicago.
Malkin had an assist in 16:58, Letang logged 21:15 and finished minus-2.
"I think they’re available. It’s just a practice. Older guys taking care of their bodies. That’s it.
"When you’re closer to 40, I’m sure your body aches every day."
- Anthony Mantha
"When you’re closer to 40, I’m sure your body aches every day."
- Anthony Mantha
Evgeni Malkin and the Pittsburgh Penguins feel fragile
If you’re a Penguins fan, you’ve seen this movie, and you hate the opening scene.
Coach Dan Muse didn’t pour water on it, he basically confirmed it’s medical and "being looked at," with no real details yet.
That’s the part that matters more than Mantha’s vibe check.
Malkin already missed a month earlier this season with a shoulder injury, and he hasn’t exactly looked carefree since.
Letang also missed two games recently with an upper-body issue, so "maintenance day" isn’t automatically the whole story.
What’s really going on right now is simple and annoying.
The Penguins are protecting two cornerstone bodies, and they’re not ready to say whether it’s rest, soreness, or something that costs games.
Saturday versus the Rangers is the next checkpoint, and that update is going to steer everything.
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JANVIER 30|122 ANSWERS Anthony Mantha reveals what he’s hearing on Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang's absence Does Anthony Mantha’s explanation make you less worried about Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang? | ||
| Yes | 69 | 56.6 % |
| No | 53 | 43.4 % |
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