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Penguins roll out intriguing new lines affecting Evgeni Malkin
Photo credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
The Penguins have rolled out some intriguing new lines for their upcoming game vs. the Devils on Thursday, and Evgeni Malkin was fully involved in the mix.
Evgeni Malkin returned to full-team action with the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex, a step closer to ending his 15-game absence with a shoulder injury.
Malkin took part in line rushes, giving a glimpse of what the Penguins' second line will look like when he potentially returns Thursday against the New Jersey Devils at PPG Paints Arena.
Where Evgeni Malkin will likely slot into the lineup
Malkin slid back into his usual center role alongside wingers Ben Kindel and newcomer Yegor Chinakhov, rather than reuniting with Anthony Mantha and Justin Brazeau, a trio that had early-season success.
FORWARDS
Rickard Rakell-Sidney Crosby-Bryan Rust
Ben Kindel-Evgeni Malkin-Yegor Chinakhov
Anthony Mantha-Tommy Novak-Justin Brazeau
Connor Dewar-Blake Lizotte-Noel Acciari
DEFENSEMEN
Parker Wotherspoon-Erik Karlsson
Brett Kulak-Kris Letang
Ryan Shea-Jack St. Ivany
(Kevin Hayes, Ville Koivunen and Connor Clifton were the odd men out)
Power play 1 - Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Bryan Rust, Rickard Rakell, Erik Karlsson
Power play 2 - Kris Letang, Justin Brazeau, Anthony Mantha, Ben Kindel, Yegor Chinakhov
Rickard Rakell-Sidney Crosby-Bryan Rust
Ben Kindel-Evgeni Malkin-Yegor Chinakhov
Anthony Mantha-Tommy Novak-Justin Brazeau
Connor Dewar-Blake Lizotte-Noel Acciari
DEFENSEMEN
Parker Wotherspoon-Erik Karlsson
Brett Kulak-Kris Letang
Ryan Shea-Jack St. Ivany
(Kevin Hayes, Ville Koivunen and Connor Clifton were the odd men out)
Power play 1 - Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Bryan Rust, Rickard Rakell, Erik Karlsson
Power play 2 - Kris Letang, Justin Brazeau, Anthony Mantha, Ben Kindel, Yegor Chinakhov
Malkin had joked Tuesday that he was so eager to play he would even take a shift in goal or on defense.
Tuesday marked his first full practice since returning from injury, as several veterans sat out for rest and recovery. Tommy Novak, who had filled in at second-line center in Malkin's absence, moved to lead the third line.
Why it appears Evgeni Malkin will immediately see a lot of power play time
Malkin also joined the first-unit power play, signaling the Penguins' plans to reintegrate him immediately into top minutes.
Before the injury, Malkin had eight goals and 29 points in 26 games. If he plays Thursday, he will have half the season remaining to continue his impact.
He will need to be activated from injured reserve, but the Penguins won't have to make a corresponding roster move, as rookie forward Rutger McGroarty was placed on IR on Wednesday after suffering a concussion during Tuesday's practice.
Also read on HockeyUnplugged :
Pittsburgh Penguins forward diagnosed with concussion, placed on injured reserve
Pittsburgh Penguins forward diagnosed with concussion, placed on injured reserve
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 7 | 82 ANSWERS Penguins roll out intriguing new lines affecting Evgeni Malkin Should Dan Muse be shaking up the lines this much? | ||
| Yes | 43 | 52.4 % |
| No | 39 | 47.6 % |
| List of polls | ||