Post-Morning Skate: Cooke to play tonight; Malkin won’t attend All-Star Game

*Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin will miss his 3rd straight game tonight and no real surprise here as head coach Dan Bylsma just announced in his media session that Malkin will not attend the All-Star game this weekend but not because of his banged knee.

Malkin’s knee injury has no structure damage and is not considered serious, according to multiple sources close to the situation.

In fact, the reason Bylsma gave today on Malkin missing the All-Star game is that he still has a sinus infection. The knee is not a big issue.

Evgeni Malkin was not on the ice today and will not be in the game tonight, ” Bylsma said. He will also not be going to the All-Star Game this coming week due to the sinus infection. He has symptoms that prevent him from going on the ice at this time, ” Bylsma said.

It was interesting to see the Penguins use the sinus infection as the primary reason for Malkin opting of the events and not his knee injury, considering the league is adament about players attending, even if injured.

With the illness being the primary reason, Pens and Malkin can now say he’s unable to go.

Malkin who voted in by the fans, will get an extra week off before the Penguins return to action next week. Smart move by both sides and I’m sure Malkin’s not upset about not playing.

*Meanwhile, Matt Cooke as expected will be in the lineup tonight. Bylsma said he missed the morning skate due to family reasons.

Eric Godard will be scratched for the Penguins upfront.

The projected lines are expected to be:

Cooke – Staal – Kennedy

Kunitz – Letestu – Dupuis

Rupp – Talbot – Conner

Asham – Jeffrey – Adams