Everyone knew he'd return for the playoffs, but the Pittsburgh Penguins made it official today, announcing superstar center Evgeni Malkin will play in game one of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Malkin, who has 33 goals and 39 assists in 62 games, missed the last 13 games of the regular season with an upper-body injury. He took part in full-contact practice Tuesday in Pittsburgh.
"He will be in the lineup and full go," head coach Mike Sullivan said.
Malkin had skated with his team recently, but today was his first session in which he took part in every facet of practice.
"The biggest challenge is my legs," Malkin said. "The first couple of shifts will be hard. I need to keep going. I know they're coming. Take a couple hits and be ready. I'll keep moving my legs and play my game."
The Pens may also be getting forward Carl Hagelin back at some point in the first round.
“Yeah, there is a real chance. He's skating. The next step is joining the team. He's day-to-day,” Sullivan said when asked about Hagelin.
Hagelin has 6 goals and 16 assists in 61 games for the Penguins this season.
Sullivan also said defenseman Chad Ruhwedel was day-to-day. Ruhwedel was seen wearing an air cast and did not play in the last two games of the Penguins' regular season.
Follow 1st Ohio BatteryFacebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube
