Penguins center Evgeni Malkin could be back in lineup Thursday night

Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin could be back in the lineup Thursday night after sustaining an upper-body injury on March 16. Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan told reporters both Malkin and defenseman Kris Letang are game-time decisions for Thursday's home matchup against the Detroit Red Wings. Malkin has missed eight games since being cross-checked in the ribs last month by St. Louis Blues defenseman Robert Bortuzzo. Pittsburgh has gone 4-2-2 in his absence.

Both Malkin and Letang skated in full-contact practices on Thursday morning. It was Malkin's second full practice in a row. Letang, who has missed the last four games, was a limited participant in a non-contact jersey Wednesday. "If I feel fine, I'll have a chance to play. I'll be ready," Malkin told reporters on Wednesday. "I told you like a week ago, I would try to play the last two games. Nothing's changed. ... I feel like every day is better. I want (to come) back." In 66 games this season, Malkin has 71 points with 21 goals and 50 assists.

Additionally, defenseman Brian Dumoulin did not practice Thursday and is considered day-to-day. According to Sullivan, Dumoulin is making progress as he recovers from a lower-body injury. The Penguins (43-26-11, 97 points) currently sit in third place in the Metropolitan Division, two points behind the New York Islanders and two ahead of the Carolina Hurricanes with two regular-season games remaining.

 

(With inputs from agencies.)