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Evgeni Malkin News
Malkin (lower-body) is not on the ice for the Penguins morning skate, so he is not expected to dress tonight.

Malkin will miss his fifth straight game with a leg injury that he suffered on December 14 in Detroit. With the three-day Christmas break on the horizon it is not a surprise to see Malkin sitting out tonight. Consider him day-to-day.

Evgeni Malkin
Evgeni Malkin did not travel with the team for its game Wednesday against the New York Rangers and will miss the Penguins' home game Thursday against the Minnesota Wild.

Malkin sustained a lower-body injury Saturday when he fell feet-first into the boards during the Penguins' game at the Detroit Red Wings. He sat out the game Monday against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Evgeni Malkin
Malkin (left leg) did not finish a win Saturday at Detroit. He did not put pressure on the leg while leaving the ice but was limping on it afterward in the locker area. His leg had not been placed in a protective boot. Malkin was to be re-evaluated in Pittsburgh.

Early indications Sunday were that Malkin's injury was minor and to the muscular area, but the Penguins were awaiting results of other tests. Malkin had played in three consecutive games after missing two in a row because of a lower-body injury.

Evgeni Malkin
Malkin crashed into the boards legs first and has been helped to the dressing room in Saturday's win over the Red Wings.

Malkin walked with a slight limp in the locker room following the game. “He has a lower-body injury,” coach Dan Bylsma said. “He was walking around after the game, but he'll get further evaluated (Sunday).”

Evgeni Malkin
Malkin (lower-body) is taking part in the Penguins gameday skate.

Malkin is listed as questionable for tonight's meeting with the Blue Jackets, but it appears he is going to test out the lower-body injury in the morning skate. He has missed the last two games after being injured in the morning skate prior to Thursday's contest vs. the Sharks. His return to the lineup would be huge, as James Neal is likely going to be suspended for his actions on Saturday. Monitor Malkin's status following the morning skate.

Evgeni Malkin
Malkin is on the ice for Penguins morning skate.

Malkin was given a maintenance day on Tuesday, but was fully expected to suit up tonight. It appears that he will dress and skate with James Neal and Pascal Dupuis vs. Washington. Malkin has only three goals this season but his 17 assists is fourth in the NHL. He has 10 assists in his last eight games.

Evgeni Malkin
The Pittsburgh Penguins announced today that they've agreed to an eight-year, $76-million US contract extension for 2011-12 NHL Most Valuable Player Evgeni Malkin, who was due to hit the free-agent market next summer.

Malkin will earn $9.5 million US for each season through to the deal's 2021-22 expiration, the club announced. He turns 27 in July, will earn $7.5 million next season under his old deal, with a cap hit of $8.7 million. For his career, he's scored 217 goals and 343 assists for 560 points in 458 games. No stranger to the penalty box, he's compiled 462 penalty minutes.

Evgeni Malkin
Malkin returns to the lineup tonight vs BUF #Pens

Malkin will return to the Pens lineup after missing their last five games with a shoulder injury. He is an elite player so obviously you should get him into your lineup. He has missed a lot of time this year with injuries which has limited his production but he still has eight goals and 21 assists in 28 games.

Evgeni Malkin
#Pens Malkin will play tonight vs. #NHLJets

Malkin has missed the Penguins last nine games with a shoulder injury. He will return to the lineup and assume his spot on the Pens second line alongside James Neal and Brenden Morrow. The Pens also acquired Jarome Iginla last night and he is expected to play with Malkin and Neal, that sounds like a scary line. Get Malkin in your lineups.

Evgeni Malkin