On Malkin, Orpik’s Status: Habs @ Pens Morning Skate News and Buzz

Penguins center Evgeni Malkin is expected to miss his 6th game of the season tonight.

Malkin who has missed the past three games, is not particpating in today’s morning skate. Malkin though did skate prior to the morning skate going through individual workouts and has been on the ice for the past couple days.

Malkin is dealing with knee soreness on his surgically repaired knee.

Tyler Kennedy will also sit out today’s game, the third straight game he will miss.

Meanwhile, is Brooks Orpik the one player Pittsburgh will be getting back tonight?.

Orpik has not practiced with his teammates for nearly two weeks but is back on the ice this morning and was paired with Ben Lovejoy.

The Penguins only have six defensemen on the ice as Brian Strait is not skating after suffering a left arm injury in Tuesday’s game.

The Penguins other pairings were Zbynek Michalek – Paul Martin and Matt Niskanen – Deryk Engelland.

Kris Letang can return Saturday night.

In addition to Malkin, Kennedy and Strait, leading goal scorer James Neal is also not skating this morning. Team officials had no comment on his status at this point.

Sidney Crosby participated in the morning skate but is not a candidate to play today. Crosby centered Steve Sullivan and Richard Park in the skate.