Penguins' Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang return from injury vs. Red Wings

With two games left in the season and a playoff spot yet to be clinched, the Pittsburgh Penguins took an all-hands-on-deck approach Thursday night against the Detroit Red Wings.

Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang, who are recovering from upper-body injuries, were in the Penguins lineup.

Malkin missed eight games with a rib injury suffered March 16 against St. Louis. He took part in practice in a full-contact capacity on Wednesday.

Letang missed 15 of the team’s last 18 games with an upper-body injury suffered Feb. 23 in Philadelphia. He did not go through a full-contact practice before returning and downplayed how much of a physical test Thursday’s morning skate was.

“That was an optional morning skate,” Letang said. “There was like 10 guys out there. It was just another practice. It was low-intensity, so it was nothing.”

Malkin started the game with Bryan Rust and Phil Kessel on his wings. Teddy Blueger was bumped from second-line center to fourth-line left wing. Adam Johnson was scratched.

Letang was on the top defense pair alongside Olli Maatta. Zach Trotman was scratched to make room.

Defenseman Brian Dumoulin, meanwhile, missed his second straight game with a lower-body injury. Coach Mike Sullivan said Dumoulin is making progress and is still considered day to day.

Matt Murray started in goal.

The Penguins’ magic number to clinch a playoff spot is two. Any combination of two points gained by them or lost by Columbus or Montreal, who are tied for eighth place in the Eastern Conference, would ensure a playoff berth for the 13th straight season.

Montreal visits Washington on Thursday night. Columbus is idle.

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