Malkin Skates Friday But Won’t Play Saturday

Feb 2, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (71) on the ice against the New Jersey Devils during the first period at Consol Energy Center. Pittsburgh won 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Dave Miller-USA TODAY Sports

Pittsburgh Penguins’ forward Evgeni Malkin skated on his own with strength and conditioning coach Mike Kadar Friday, however, is out for Saturday’s game against the New York Rangers – according to NHL.com.

Malkin hasn’t played since he left Pittsburgh’s game against Toronto during the late minutes of regulation on March 9th, when he was checked hard into the boards by Leafs forward James van Riemsdyk.

This is good news but while the Pens are amidst a winning streak, they are probably going to take their time in bringing back Malkin, who had just come back from a concussion suffered last month.

On the season, Malkin has 24 points (5G, 19A) in 21 games, while skating to a strange minus-1 rating.

Pens play the New York Rangers tomorrow in Pittsburgh at 1 p.m.