The Pittsburgh Penguins announced that forwards Evgeni Malkin and Carl Hagelin are sidelined for at least Game 1 of their second-round series with the Washington Capitals with a various injuries.
No Malkin or Hagelin at practice this morning. Lines look like:
Guentzel-Crosby-Hornqvist
Simon-Sheahan-Kessel
Sheary-Brassard-Rust
Aston-Reese—Rowney—Kuhnhackl— Jonathan Bombulie (@BombulieTrib) April 25, 2018
Evgeni Malkin, Carl Hagelin Injured
Malkin suffered a lower-body injury in Game 5 of Pittsburgh’s first round series against the Philadelphia Flyers. The Russian centre missed Game 6 against the Flyers.
Hagelin was injured after a high bodycheck from Claude Giroux in Game 6. The Swede left the game soon after with blood dripping from his face. Hagelin had scored in the game prior to his departure. There is no word if Hagelin was placed in concussion protocol.
So far this season, Malkin scored 42 goals and 56 assists for 98 points. He also added 87 minutes in penalties. His possession numbers were 53.2 percent Corsi and a relative Corsi of 1.4.
Over his 11-year NHL career, Malkin has played only for the Penguins. He has put up 370 goals and 560 assists for 930 career points in 784 career games. He was originally drafted in the first round, second overall of the 2004 NHL draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins.
So far this season, Hagelin scored 10 goals and 21 assists for 31 points. He also added 28 minutes in penalties. His possession numbers were 53.9 percent Corsi and a relative Corsi of 2.2.
Over his 7-year NHL career, Hagelin has played for the New York Rangers, Anaheim Ducks and Pittsburgh Penguins. He has put up 88 goals and 134 assists for 222 career points in 488 career games. He was originally drafted in the sixth round, 168th overall of the 2007 NHL draft by the New York Rangers.
Pittsburgh head coach Mike Sullivan updated the media after practice about both players health.
What This Means for the Future
Both players skated and Malkin did travel with the team. It is possible he could be in the lineup for Game 2 of the series against the Washington Capitals. Hagelin did not make the trip to Washington, so his status is hazier.
However, the Penguins did score eight goals against the Flyers without Malkin. Pittsburgh can put goals without a pair of its better players. Washington offers a stiffer challenge to the defending Stanley Cup champions.
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