This is no real surprise, Malkin who was injured on Saturday is not expected to dress tonight against the Maple Leafs. Harry Zolnierczyk will suit up on the second line with Malkin on the shelf.
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.
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.
“We'll see,” Letang said. “I don't know what's going on right now.”
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).”
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.
After participating in a full morning skate and Malkin indicating that he will play, it appears it would take a late setback for him not to play. Monitor his status prior to puck-drop.
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.
Malkin will stay back in Pittsburgh while the Penguins travel to Boston to take on the Bruins. Malkin is considered day-to-day and should be considered questionable for Monday's game vs. Columbus.
Malkin left the morning skate early and will not play tonight. Head coach Dan Bylsma called Malkin day-to-day. Monitor his status prior to Saturday's game vs. Boston.
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.
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.
Carter is taking line rushes with Dwight King and Mike Richards in Kings practice this afternoon suggesting he could be in the lineup tonight. We will get an official update after Kings' pre-game skate.
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.
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.
Malkin posted two assists on Monday, his 16th and 17th of the season. Monitor his status during Wednesday's morning skate.
Carter has been out since early November and will miss his eighth straight contest tonight. Carter has been wearing a walking boot, so his return to the ice is a very good sign that he is progressing towards a return. The Kings are 5-1-1 without Carter, so they likely won't rush him back.
Since returning from his knee injury on October 25, Letang has scored three goals and added one assist in nine games. If he can't go tonight, the returning Paul Martin would take his spot on the Penguins top power-play unit.
There were unconfirmed reports that it was a broken foot but Darryl Sutter confirmed it today. A timetable for Carter's return was not given, but he has been ruled out for the remaining three games of their road trip. When a timeframe is released we will update Carter's status.
The Kings have been very vague with Carter's injury details. There was speculation that Carter was dealing with a foot issue and a walking boot certainly solidify that report. A walking boot usually signifies a significant injury so Carter could be out for a extended period of time.
