Pens Points: Back to Raleigh we go The Pittsburgh Penguins have maintained a strong performance despite the absence of key players Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. A significant contributor to their recent success has been defenseman Erik Karlsson, who has delivered some of his best performances in a Pittsburgh jersey. Karlsson’s consistent play has helped stabilize the team’s defense, allowing the Penguins to remain competitive in their current standings. Malkin, however, has hinted at future discussions regarding his contract. During a post-game interview following a 7-2 victory over the Colorado Avalanche, Malkin stated that he and general manager Kyle Dubas plan to revisit his contract situation after the season. Both parties have agreed to delay any formal talks until the summer, prioritizing the completion of the current campaign. Malkin also expressed his intention to continue playing, potentially extending his career beyond the current season by another two years. The team’s forward depth faces a challenge with the injury to forward Blake Lizotte. The Penguins announced on Tuesday that Lizotte will miss an extended period and will undergo a re-evaluation in approximately four weeks. His absence could test the team’s ability to maintain offensive consistency, particularly in the bottom-six forward positions. Beyond the Penguins, the NHL has seen several notable developments. Edmonton Oilers star forward Leon Draisaitl is expected to miss the remainder of the regular season after sustaining a lower-body injury. The Oilers will need to adjust their offensive strategy without one of their most dynamic players. At the NHL General Managers’ meetings, former enforcer George Parros took the opportunity to address the Department of Player Safety.#evgeni_malkin #pittsburgh_penguins #sidney_crosby #erik_karlsson #kyle_dubas
Penguins Skate: No Crosby Yet, Several Updates and New Lines DENVER — The Pittsburgh Penguins returned to the ice for their morning skate on Monday ahead of their matchup against the Colorado Avalanche, but the team’s star player, Sidney Crosby, remained sidelined. Crosby, still recovering from a Grade 2 MCL sprain sustained during the Olympics, participated in line rushes with additional forwards Kevin Hayes and Avery Hayes. His absence continues as he works toward full recovery. The team welcomed back Evgeni Malkin, who rejoined the roster after serving a five-game suspension. Malkin’s return prompted coach Dan Muse to adjust the team’s lines, reuniting the Russian forward with fellow winger Egor Chinakhov and center Tommy Novak. This new trio is expected to provide a strong offensive presence in the upcoming game. Other notable updates included the absence of center Blake Lizotte, who was not present at the skate. Rookie Ville Koivunen remained in the lineup on the third line alongside center Ben Kindel and newly returned defenseman Justin Brazeau. Brazeau, who had been out week-to-week with an upper-body injury, took full line rushes during the skate, indicating his readiness to contribute. Former Colorado Avalanche defenseman Sam Girard participated in the skate but was listed as a spare defenseman, suggesting limited role in the game. Meanwhile, the Penguins made roster adjustments by recalling defenseman Jack St. Ivany from his conditioning assignment with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. However, St. Ivany was not present at the skate, and the team sent Alex Alexeyev back to WBS in a corresponding move.#colorado_avalanche #evgeni_malkin #pittsburgh_penguins #sidney_crosby #dan_muse
