Penguins/NHL
SouthPointe — Pittsburgh Penguins star center Evgeni Malkin did not practice today as the Penguins returned to the ice this morning.
Malkin who had an X-ray on his right foot that came back negative on Monday is listed as day-to-day. A team source said at this point, he’s regarded as doubtful for Wednesday’s game against New Jersey but will travel with the team.
With Malkin sidelined, the Penguins altered their lines this morning and there are strong indications that Alex Ponikarovsky will play with Sidney Crosby Wednesday night.
Today in practice, Alex Ponikarovsky and Pascal Dupuis skated with Sidney Crosby on the top line.
Jordan Staal centered Chris Kunitz and Bill Guerin today.
Tyler Kennedy centered Ruslan Fedotenko and Matt Cooke on the third line, while Craig Adams centered Michael Rupp and Max Talbot on the 4th line.
As for the Penguins defensive pairings, Alex Goligoski was the odd-man out in practice today.
The top three pairings were Gonchar-Eaton, Orpik-Letang, McKee-Leopold.
During line rushes, Goligoski rotated with Brooks Orpik and Kris Letang and neither player is under any consideration to sit tomorrow night.
From all indications, Jay McKee will appear in his second straight game as the Penguins had an organization meeting Monday afternoon to discuss Wednesday’s lineup, however, Bylsma has been known to switch things up by game day.
