Malkin has not played this season but has been practicing regularly for a while. This is the first time that he's been listed as a game-time decision, which is a good sign that he'll be available in Anaheim. Malkin skated on the second line with Jeff Carter and Kasperi Kapanen and PP1 in Monday's practice session.

Malkin continues to practice with the team but the Penguins are taking a cautious approach to returning him to the lineup. His next chance to return is Tuesday in Anaheim.

Carter missed the last four games but will play Saturday afternoon in Dallas. Carter will replace Bryan Rust, who is on the COVID-19 protocol list, and should centre the second line and be on PP1. Carter has 17 points (9G / 8A) in 27 games this season.

This is terrible timing for Rust, who has been one of the hottest players in the NHL recently, scoring eight goals with four assists (12 points) in his last four games. Jeff Carter will replace him in the lineup and Evan Rodrigues may replace him on the top line.

The Sharks are hopeful that Karlsson will be available next Tuesday, so this does not appear to be an injury that will sideline him long-term. Brent Burns will remain on the top PP unit with Ryan Merkley on PP2 on Saturday.

Karlsson suffered an upper-body injury in the third period of Tuesday's loss in Detroit. Ryan Merkley will draw into the lineup to replace Karlsson but Brent Burns will take over on PP1.

Johnsson will be replaced by Nico Hischier, who is coming back from a lower-body injury. Johnsson is expected to miss two or three games while in COVID-19 protocol.

Karlsson appeared to get hurt in the third period of Tuesday's loss in Detroit and is questionable for Thursday's game. If Karlsson can't play, look for Marc-Edouard Vlasic to draw back into the lineup and for Brent Burns to take over on PP1.

Malkin continues to practice and is nearing his season debut but it will not be Wednesday vs. the Blues. With Jeff Carter also still out, expect Evan Rodrigues to centre the second line again.

Carter will miss his second straight game but it seems likely that he could be available for Thursday's game in Philadelphia.

O'Connor is the latest Pittsburgh Penguin to test positive for COVID-19 and will likely miss all three games this week. Brian Boyle (personal) should replace him in the lineup on Wednesday.