Post-Morning Skate Buzz: Evgeni Malkin to play tonight

Center Evgeni Malkin has passed his impact test and will play tonight, head coach Dan Bylsma said. Malkin will center Matt Cooke and James Neal on the second line.

Bylsma said the Penguins have taken every precaution for Malkin to play tonight.

“Clearly followed protocol carefully and taken every precaution possible,” Bylsma said. “In this case Evgeni had some memory loss and that has returned and he’s felt good for some six days. Had full contact, full go in practice, so it’s not talking about gut feelings. It’s been seven full days, he’s seen doctors, gone through regiment and finished all those yesterday.”

Who comes out of the lineup tonight? All signs point to Beau Bennett.

TONIGHT’S EXPECTED LINEUP

Kunitz – Crosby – Dupuis

Cooke – Malkin – Neal

Jeffrey – Sutter – Kennedy

Glass – Vitale – Adams

DEFENSEMEN

Orpik – Letang

Eaton – Niskanen

Despres – Engelland

Marc Andre Fleury in goal

Expected Scratches: Bortuzzo, Bennett, Boychuk, Martin