PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Not playing at the end of the game Sunday, Pens forward Evgeni Malkin is dealing with an upper body injury and won’t play Tuesday night. It’s not believed to be long-term and a good chance defenseman Ryan Shea is back against Colorado.
Shea was injured Saturday after a hit from Winnipeg’s Adam Lowry, who is 6’5”, 210 pounds. He left the ice with a towel over his face and had several stitches inside and outside of his mouth. Pens head coach Dan Muse said they will have to get clearance, but he was working with one of the three main pairings, with Connor Clifton, during the pre-game morning skate.
The 29-year-old defenseman has no doubts he’s playing. Saying they are just being extra cautious with a head injury and he was devastated to miss the game Sunday after not missing a game this season or his entire time in college on the AHL.
“I’m excited to get back,” Shea said. “It should be a good test, we have the best team in the league coming in. I’ll be ready to go.”
He described his condition, as his whole face was swollen, jaw, neck and his mouth. You can see the scar below his nose, but much more you can’t see.
In his third year with the Pens, Shea is having his best season, career highs with four goals, 24 assists and a plus 24 in 69 games.
“Shea has been a huge part of this team all year,” said Pens head coach Dan Muse. “He’s been great for us, from a five-on-five standpoint, the minutes that he plays. The situations that he’s in and also the penalty kill. I think that part of his game he’s taking on some big minutes and big responsibilities there.”
“He plays a big role for us.”
Malkin missing
Just back from suspension last Monday, Malkin is out Tuesday and the Pens play again Thursday and Saturday. The 39-year-old has 52 points in 50 games this year.
“Obviously without G, we’ve been doing it all year,” said Pens captain Sidney Crosby. “We’ve had different guys go out and everyone steps up and we got to continue that mentality.”
During the morning skate, Anthony Mantha was moved up to the second line. A free agent signing, Mantha has played every game with career highs in goals (26) and points (53).
“He’s a guy that’s stepped up in different roles and played on different lines and continued to produce,” Crosby said. “He’s someone that’s just found a way to be successful with any opportunity he got.”
What Ryan Shea said about his injury & wanting to return
