After "strong practices" on Friday, to quote head coach Mike Sullivan, will the Pittsburgh Penguins be getting two of their key players back in time for Game 2 against the New York Rangers? Will coach Sullivan implement the same defensive-minded strategy in that game, forcing Tom Sestito to the bench?
Read on for the latest news and rumors surrounding the Penguins.
Malkin's miraculous recovery
Evgeni Malkin was given a 6-8 week timetable after suffering an upper body injury March 11 against the Columbus Blue Jackets, but it looks like the center could return in five. The center skated with the top power-play unit on Friday, signaling a potential return on Saturday.
Staying away from Sestito?
Whether or not Malkin plays will likely impact how Sullivan manages his lineups. Sending out seven defenseman while benching Sestito worked brilliantly in the Penguins' first game, and will likely be the call again unless Malkin returns to the lineup.
Fleury hoping for return
Like Malkin, Marc-Andre Fleury is also questionable to play on Saturday. While a concussion is not the type of injury you should rush back from, if it were up to the goaltender, he would be out there:
Back to the Pittsburgh Penguins NewsfeedFleury on if he expects to play in Game 2: "I don't expect it, but I hope so. It feels like it's been forever." pic.twitter.com/vvUDi0LkGZ
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) April 15, 2016