Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin out vs. Kings

Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin will miss Saturday’s game at PPG Paints Arena against the Los Angeles Kings because of an illness, according to coach Mike Sullivan.

This will be the second game Malkin has not played due to the malady, having already been absent for Thursday’s 1-0 overtime win at home against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Malkin is one of four players on the Penguins roster who have dealt with an illness in recent weeks. Defenseman Jack Johnson was sidelined on Dec. 4 while forward Zach Aston-Reese and Chad Ruhwedel have only missed practices due to the undisclosed illness.

Malkin is the team’s second-leading scorer with 27 points (eight goals, 19 assists) in 20 games this season.

Notes:

-Sullivan announced goaltender Tristan Jarry will start. Jarry has recorded three shutouts in his past four games, including in Thursday’s game when he made 17 saves. In 13 games this season, Jarry has an 8-5-0 record along with a 1.75 goals against average and .941 save percentage.

-With Malkin sidelined, the team recalled forward Joseph Blandisi from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League under emergency conditions. It is the second such recall in three days for Blandisi and his fifth of the season overall.

-Malkin’s absence will likely keep forward Jake Guentzel at center on the top line. He filled that role in Thursday’s game. He logged 22:16 of ice time on 25 shifts, including an ample 1:15 on the penalty kill. He had one shot on four attempts and was in the black on faceoffs going 7 for 13 (54 percent).

-The Kings are expected to start goaltender Jonathan Quick. In 22 games this season, Quick has a 9-12-1 record along with a 3.03 goals against average and an .983 save percentage.

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