Malkin Out Thursday

The Pittsburgh Penguins will be without @Evgeni Malkin for tonight’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. He is considered day-to-day with an illness. Head coach Mike Sullivan made the announcement just two hours before puck drop. Malkin is the latest addition to Pittsburgh’s ever-growing injury list, joining the likes of @Sidney Crosby, @Nick Bjugstad, @Brian Dumoulin, and @Patric Hornqvist.

Lineup Implications

There was no word on who would replace Malkin on the top line, so we’ll have to wait until warmups at 6:30 PM EST to see Sullivan’s adjustments. @Jared McCann is the most likely centreman to move up. He’s been playing the pivot on the Penguins’ second line with Crosby sidelined. @Teddy Blueger is also likely in line for some more minutes, but don’t be surprised if Sullivan gets a little creative in these desperate times. While they’ve played the wing exclusively this season, both @Jake Guentzel and @Alex Galchenyuk have experience at the centre-ice position. Don’t be surprised if Sullivan opts to move either of them to the middle tonight. Puck drop is set for 7:00 PM EST in Pittsburgh. @Joonas Korpisalo and @Tristan Jarry are the confirmed starters.