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Pittsburgh Penguins News
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
Letang (upper-body) will be out until after Christmas says Penguins head coach Dan Bylsma.

This is a terrible break for the Penguins who are already without Paul Martin, Brooks Orpik and Rob Scuderi on the blueline. The Penguins play five games before the Christmas break, so he will miss at least five games, but could be more.

Kris Letang
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
The Penguins have placed Kris Letang on IR with an upper-body injury.

Letang took part in warmups but was a late scratch for Saturday's game vs. the Red Wings. There was no word on how serious Letang's injury is and he will likely be re-evaluated this week. His placement on IR means he will miss at least one week from Saturday. Monitor his status as the week progresses.

Kris Letang
Letang was vague about his upper-body injury. He absorbed a hit from New Jersey's Tim Sestito on Friday but finished the game. Letang was ruled out shortly before the game Saturday, and he isn't sure if his injury could be a long-term situation.

“We'll see,” Letang said. “I don't know what's going on right now.”

Kris Letang
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
Letang (undisclosed) will not play tonight for the Penguins.

No word on what is ailing Letang but he will not be in the lineup vs. the Red Wings. The Peguins are now without Paul Martin, Rob Scuderi, Brooks Orpik and Letang on the blueline. Brian Dumoulin will enter the lineup.

Kris Letang
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
Matt Nieto and Freddie Hamilton have been recalled from Worcester, while tough guy Matt Pelech was reassigned to the team’s AHL affiliate.

Nieto made the opening night roster and tallied two goals and four assists in 19 games as a rookie. He was reassigned to Worcester on November 26, and on Friday night against Portland, had two goals and three assists in an 8-2 Worcester win. It was one of just two games he played for the minor league Sharks.

Matthew Nieto
Carter (foot) returns to the Kings lineup Monday.

Carter missed the last 10 games with a broken foot. Prior to the injury, he played in 14 games registering five goals and four assists. The 28-year-old sniper had 26 goals in 48 games last season and had a career-high of 46 goals in 2008-09. He can be expected to lead the Kings in goals through the remainder of the season and should be activated in all formats.

Jeff Carter
Carter (foot) will be activated from injured reserve and take part in warm-ups, he is a game-time decision.

Carter missed the last 10 games but could return tonight depending on how warmups go. The Kings offence has missed their premier sniper, but were still able to go 6-1-2 because of strong goaltending. Carter will skate on a line with Dwight King and Mike Richards.

Jeff Carter
Carter (foot) participated in the Kings morning skate, but is still on IR and head coach Darryl Sutter said yesterday he is 'doubtful' for tonight.

Carter is still considered to be a few days away from returning and will likely need to participate in a few more practices before he plays. If he is unexpectedly activated off of IR and plays tonight, we will update.

Jeff Carter
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