I had figured that Mike Sullivan might wait another day to reinsert Evgeni Malkin into the Penguins line-up since, unless he sits out Tuesday night in Philly, that would mean Malkin returning in back-to-back games.
But, not only is Malkin going to play against the Flyers tonight, Sullivan even deviated from his customary "game-time decision" coach-speak and came right out and confirmed that Malkin will be in the line-up.
For the first time since suffering that lower body (knee) injury against Boston just over six weeks ago, Malkin was part of a regular line in practice:
While we won't really know how he or his line will look until we see it in a game or two – or even three – I like those lines.
Obviously, Malkin was going to be reunited with Kasperi Kapanen who was playing well with Malkin until both were hurt. But Kapanen has been even better since he returned, whether his center was Teddy Blueger or Jeff Carter. Kapanen's speed and confidence should help ease Malkin's return.
The question was who would get the first crack at left wing on that line. Even though Jared McCann had produced in that spot earlier, he also has developed chemistry with Jeff Carter so Sullivan will keep those two together and give Jason Zucker another shot with Malkin.
The numbers have often not been kind to Zucker this season; in fact, he has 0 goals in his last 7 games. But the eye test shows that, despite playing the right side (his off wing), he is creating chances for himself and his linemates. Zucker should benefit from playing a more natural position and will be given that opportunity. How short-term that is, will be up to Zucker.
In the meantime, I'm looking forward to seeing how Freddie Gaudreau looks on the right wing with Carter and McCann. Gaudreau has been a pleasant surprise with every battlefield promotion and this is his most significant yet. Since he has primarily played center he also gives that line an extra faceoff man and he his 55 percent success rate this season is a tick better than Sidney Crosby's.
Then there is Brandon Tanev who is now cleared for contact, although not yet for games. He could be back as early as Tuesday, but Thursday against Buffalo at PPG Paints Arena may be more realistic. Tanev will presumably be reunited with Blueger and Zach Aston-Reese but he could also end up on the Malkin or Carter line if either Zucker or Gaudreau isn't producing.
Malkin has been flying around at practice and looks like he is more than ready. The lines look good on paper. Starting tonight, we'll start to see how good they look where it matters – on the ice.
