PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – His four-game suspension over and the Pens two points ahead of Washington for the final division spot, Evgeni Malkin returns Saturday afternoon.
"You miss Geno," said Pens defenseman Brian Dumoulin. "The confidence that he brings. You can tell how badly he wants to be back out there. It's fun to watch when he's going."
Malkin has 17 goals and 20 assists in 37 games this season with eight power play goals and 19 power play points. The 35-year-old had points in eight of his last 11 games before committing a slashing penalty leading to the four-game suspension.
"We're obviously a better team when he is in our lineup," said Pens forward Brock McGinn. "I think he brings so much skill to our group, obviously on our power play. His playmaking abilities are almost the best out there. Anytime he is out on the ice, he is dangerous. We are glad to have him back."
"I think his impact on the power play is significant," said Pens Head Coach Mike Sullivan. "Geno adds a dimension to our power play. He adds a level of unpredictability. He's got a bomb of a shot for a one-timers. He is such a threat he opens up opportunities for others away from him."
This led to another variation of the lines for practice on Friday. A reminder Jason Zucker, normal second line winger, did not practice with a non-COVID illness. Zucker is making the trip to Detroit and then Philadelphia.
Jake Guentzel-Sidney Crosby-Rickard Rakell
Evan Rodrigues-Malkin-Bryan Rust
Danton Heinen-Jeff Carter-Kasperi Kapanen
Brian Boyle-Teddy Blueger-Brock McGinn
Brian Dumoulin-Kris Letang
Mike Matheson-Chad Ruhwedel
You see Carter is back out there, good to go after leaving the game early on Thursday with a lower-body injury.
Even though the top line with Rust on it had a lot of success, Rakell is playing well and Sullivan likes 17 with 71.
"I think Geno's game five-on-five has been sporadic," Sullivan said. "There's been times where he's been really good. I think his best games are when he plays with Bryan Rust. I think Rust brings a certain dimension to that line that helps Geno and whoever we have on the other flank with him be effective."
It also means for one of the few times this season, the Pens have their four centers available. If not fully healthy, at least ready to play at the same time.
"We haven't had the semblance of our four center icemen in the lineup together very often," Sullivan said. "We feel we have a strong middle with those four centers we can roll over the boards. They all play in different types of roles. It gives us an opportunity for them to play to their strengths. The depth makes us harder to play against."
"We are looking forward to putting some line combinations together that give us the balance we need, that make us hard to play against. We still have a fair amount of work before the playoffs start."
Pens faceoff at Detroit at 12:30p on Saturday and at Philadelphia at 4p on Sunday.
