As the Penguins await captain Sidney Crosby's return, Pittsburgh will have to face the loss of another star player.
The Penguins confirmed on Saturday that centre Evgeni Malkin has a torn MCL and ACL. He is discussing his options with doctors on surgery or rehabilitation, though sources have told TSN that surgery will be likely.
The Russian sniper was forced to leave Friday's game against the Buffalo Sabres with what appeared to be a leg injury after a collision with Sabres defenceman Tyler Myers.
Early in the second period, Malkin got tied up racing for a loose puck in the corner with Myers. The towering defenceman appeared to fall on Malkin's right leg which crumpled underneath him. Malkin remained on the ice for some time before skating off with some assistance. He immediately headed to the Penguins dressing room and did not return.
"We will see another specialist this week and discuss all the options with the Penguins," Malkin's agent, JP Barry, told TSN on Saturday.
"This is a difficult injury for him. It was kind of a fluke situation going into the boards with a guy," explained Penguins head coach Dan Bylsma on the team's website. "That's a tough injury for Geno. We have dealt with games without him. We've managed to find our way without him. That's what we're going to have to look at now.
"We're discussing options with our doctor. Surgery is a possibility. I'm not sure if there is a rehab possibility. But right now I just got the news on the MRI."
Malkin had just returned to the lineup after missing the past five games with an injury to his left knee and a sinus infection.
He has 15 goals and 22 assists in 43 games this season.
