PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Penguins have weathered the absence of center Evgeni Malkin pretty well, earning 10 of a possible 14 points. Still, they are thrilled that Malkin is likely to return Tuesday when the Vancouver Canucks visit PPG Paints Arena.
"You can't replace Geno," fellow star center Sidney Crosby said. "Getting him back just makes us that much more dangerous."
Malkin, who is recovering from a left leg injury, was expected to return Saturday at Arizona, but somewhat surprisingly was scratched before Pittsburgh's 4-3 overtime loss.
Monday, however, Malkin was a full participant in practice, including his regular spot on the power play.