TORONTO — Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin appears to be a good bet to return to the lineup for Thursday’s game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena.
Malkin missed Tuesday’s 5-2 win against the Maple Leafs at PPG Paints Arena because of an illness and was absent from Wednesday’s practice in Cranberry as well because of the ailment.
The superstar center was one of a handful of Penguins who took the ice for a brief skate. He was joined by forward Anthony Angello, who replaced Malkin in the lineup Tuesday, as well as recently recalled defenseman Zach Trotman. Goaltenders Tristan Jarry and Matt Murray also participated.
“He’s skating this morning,” coach Mike Sullivan said of Malkin. “We’re certainly encouraged that he’ll be able to play.”
In 44 games this season, Malkin is the team’s leading scorer with 58 points (18 goals, 40 assists).
Notes:
• Sullivan announced Murray is scheduled to start in net. In 31 games this season, Murray has a 17-7-5 record along with a 2.76 goals against average, a .904 save percentage and one shutout.
• The Maple Leafs are expected to start goaltender Frederik Andersen. He allowed five goals on 24 shots on Tuesday. In 45 games this season, he has a 24-12-6 record, a 2.97 goals against average, a .906 save percentage and one shutout.
