This is no real surprise, Malkin who was injured on Saturday is not expected to dress tonight against the Maple Leafs. Harry Zolnierczyk will suit up on the second line with Malkin on the shelf.
Early indications Sunday were that Malkin's injury was minor and to the muscular area, but the Penguins were awaiting results of other tests. Malkin had played in three consecutive games after missing two in a row because of a lower-body injury.
Letang took part in warmups but was a late scratch for Saturday's game vs. the Red Wings. There was no word on how serious Letang's injury is and he will likely be re-evaluated this week. His placement on IR means he will miss at least one week from Saturday. Monitor his status as the week progresses.
“We'll see,” Letang said. “I don't know what's going on right now.”
Malkin walked with a slight limp in the locker room following the game. “He has a lower-body injury,” coach Dan Bylsma said. “He was walking around after the game, but he'll get further evaluated (Sunday).”
No word on what is ailing Letang but he will not be in the lineup vs. the Red Wings. The Peguins are now without Paul Martin, Rob Scuderi, Brooks Orpik and Letang on the blueline. Brian Dumoulin will enter the lineup.
After participating in a full morning skate and Malkin indicating that he will play, it appears it would take a late setback for him not to play. Monitor his status prior to puck-drop.
Malkin is listed as questionable for tonight's meeting with the Blue Jackets, but it appears he is going to test out the lower-body injury in the morning skate. He has missed the last two games after being injured in the morning skate prior to Thursday's contest vs. the Sharks. His return to the lineup would be huge, as James Neal is likely going to be suspended for his actions on Saturday. Monitor Malkin's status following the morning skate.
Malkin will stay back in Pittsburgh while the Penguins travel to Boston to take on the Bruins. Malkin is considered day-to-day and should be considered questionable for Monday's game vs. Columbus.
Malkin left the morning skate early and will not play tonight. Head coach Dan Bylsma called Malkin day-to-day. Monitor his status prior to Saturday's game vs. Boston.
Dumba is the only NHL player on Team Canada's World Junior roster and he has been loaned to the team by the Wild. Dumba has been invited to Canada’s National Junior Team selection camp for the last two seasons, and was the final cut both years, that won't happen this year...
Dumba was a healthy scratch last night vs. Ottawa, but he returns tonight in place of Nate Prosser. The rookie defenseman did not record a point in 11:41 TOI in his last outing on Sunday.
Malkin was given a maintenance day on Tuesday, but was fully expected to suit up tonight. It appears that he will dress and skate with James Neal and Pascal Dupuis vs. Washington. Malkin has only three goals this season but his 17 assists is fourth in the NHL. He has 10 assists in his last eight games.
Malkin posted two assists on Monday, his 16th and 17th of the season. Monitor his status during Wednesday's morning skate.
Dumba was scratched in six of the past seven games. Prosser has played well, but the Wild needs to give a 19-year-old a chance to play or it’ll need to eventually make the decision if it needs to return him to Red Deer despite already hitting that 10-game mark to trigger the first of his three-year deal.
Since returning from his knee injury on October 25, Letang has scored three goals and added one assist in nine games. If he can't go tonight, the returning Paul Martin would take his spot on the Penguins top power-play unit.
Dumba was the seventh overall pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. He has one goal and an assist in nine games this season. Dumba is one of the WIld's top prospects and has a good NHL career ahead of him, but until he lands a permanent spot on Minny's blueline, he has no fantasy value except for in deep keeper leagues.
The 2011, 30th overall pick Rakell has four goals and one assist in nine games with Norfolk. He appeared in four NHL games with the Ducks last season, but did not register a point.
Letang will skate with Rob Scuderi in 5-on-5 situations, he will also be featured on their top power-play unit, as well as 5-on-3 unit. Letang should be safe to play even though it is his first game back. He is too talented to bench.
Letang has been sidelined for the Penguins first nine games because of a knee injury. The Penguins went 7-2-0 without their star defenseman, so his presence on the back-end and on the power-play will only bolster and already elite lineup. There were reports that he was 'flying' in practice this week, making him safe to deploy tonight - if he plays of course.
