Details of Evgeni Malkin's Severe Lower Body Injury and Timetable Revealed
By Mark Powell
This is absolutely the last thing the Pittsburgh Penguins need right now.
Notoriously slow starters, the Pens handled the Columbus Blue Jackets 7-2 in their second game of the season, notching their first win in the process. Unfortunately, that came at a price, as second-line Russian stud Evgeni Malkin suffered a severe lower body injury, which has now been revealed.
Malkin suffered a soft tissue injury to his leg. Expected to be out at least a month.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) October 7, 2019
Malkin's injury will keep him out at least a month, although given the uncertainty in Dreger's synopsis, it could very well be longer depending on how the ailment heals. In his absence, the Pens will face a shortage of centers as Nick Bjugstad is also out long-term, although the extent of his injury isn't known at this time.
Pittsburgh will rely heavily on Sidney Crosby as they always do in times of crisis, but without the likes of Phil Kessel to pick up the slack scoring-wise, this could prove very detrimental to the Pens' success early on this season.
Coach Sullivan says both Evgeni Malkin and Nick Bjugstad will be out longer-term with lower-body injuries.
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) October 7, 2019
Troubling times could be ahead for Pittsburgh.