Penguin forward Evgeni Malkin to remain sidelined vs. Senators

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin will not play in Saturday’s game against the Ottawa Senators at PPG Paints Arena.

Coach Mike Sullivan announced Malkin’s status approximately two hours before the opening faceoff.

Typically deployed as the Penguins’ second-line center and on the second power-play unit, Malkin has missed the past two games due to his ailment.

Per Sullivan, Malkin and forward Philip Tomasino — currently designated to injured reserve due to an undisclosed ailment — each skated this morning.

In 41 games this season, Malkin has scored 32 points (eight goals, 24 assists) while averaging 18:35 of ice time per contest.

Notes:

• Penguins goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic is scheduled to start Saturday’s contest. In 18 games this season, Nedeljkovic has a 7-6-4 record, a 3.21 goals against average and an .891 save percentage.

Throughout his career, Nedeljkovic has faced the Senators in two contests and has posted a 0-1-1 record along with a 4.50 goals against averaged and an .842 save percentage.

• The Penguins have lost five consecutive games to the Senators (0-2-3). It is their longest active losing streak against any one opponent.

The Senators have not yet announced a starting goaltender. With All-Star Linus Ullmark sidelined due to a back injury, the Senators’ options in net are Anton Forsberg and rookie Levi Merilainen.

In 14 games this season, Forsberg has a 4-8-1 record, a 3.10 goals against average, an .883 save percentage and two shutouts.

Throughout his career, Forsberg has faced the Penguins in three contests and has posted a 1-0-0 record, a 4.60 goals against average and an .854 save percentage.

Appearing in four games this season, Merilainen has a 2-2-0 record, a 3.10 goals against average and an .884 save percentage. He has never faced the Penguins.

• Former Penguins forward David Perron is designated to injured reserve due to a back injury. The 36-year-old has not played since Nov. 23.