Penguins’ Crosby Faces Day-to-Day Status Due to Lower-Body Injury
Evgeni Malkin will miss his third straight game Saturday due to an upper-body injury. The 39-year-old forward is listed day-to-day.
Malkin has 52 points this season with 15 goals and 37 assists in 50 games. He is in his 20th season.
Malkin’s absence and team response
Coach Dan Muse said the club must rely on collective effort while key players are sidelined. He stressed that responsibilities will shift among roster players.
Muse added that no single player can replace Sidney Crosby or Malkin. Roles and minutes will be shared by committee.
Record without the stars
Pittsburgh is 5-3-3 without Crosby so far this season. The record without both Crosby and Malkin stands at 2-1-2.
The Penguins will manage lineup decisions accordingly. Depth players will be asked to take on larger roles.
Defenseman Erik Karlsson urged teammates to respond positively when Crosby leaves play. He said everyone must give their best efforts each shift.
Crosby’s condition and career numbers
Crosby is currently day-to-day with a lower-body injury. His status remains monitored ahead of upcoming games.
He ranks eighth all-time in points with 1,751 and in assists with 1,098. He sits 15th all-time in goals with 653.
In playoff competition he has 201 points, with 71 goals and 130 assists. That mark is the sixth-most in NHL history.
Career honors
- Named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players in 2017.
- Hart Trophy winner in 2006-07 and 2013-14.
- Ted Lindsay Award in 2006-07, 2012-13 and 2013-14.
- Art Ross Trophy in 2006-07 and 2013-14.
- Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy in 2009-10 and 2016-17.
Outlook
On Feb. 25 Crosby expressed confidence in the team’s depth and resilience. He credited collective play and said teammates have stepped up amid injuries.
Filmogaz.com will monitor both players’ recovery and lineup updates. The team hopes its top contributors can return soon.
