Malkin to Miss 'Couple of Weeks'

After losing No. 1 defenseman Sergei Gonchar to a broken a wrist over a week ago, the Pittsburgh Penguins will be without another top player as the reigning NHL scoring champion, Evgeni Malkin, will be out of the lineup for two-to-three weeks with a shoulder strain.

According to head coach Dan Bylsma the injury happened roughly 10 days ago, and sitting him out is a precautionary move at this point.

From the Penguins website:

"Geno is going to be out of the lineup for a couple of weeks," Bylsma said. "He strained his shoulder about 10 days or so ago. I don't know the exact day. It is precautionary for the player. We are worried about the safety of the shoulder. A couple weeks of rest and rehab will get that thing healthy so he can get back onto the ice."

Malkin is currently tied with Sidney Crosby for the team lead with 14 points in 12 games, and recorded an assist in Wednesday's 6-1 win against Montreal. His absence gives Jordan Staal an opportunity to take over as the team's No. 2 center.

Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review also reports that forward Tyler Kennedy will sit out Friday's game in Columbus after missing Wednesday's game against Montreal. His spot was taken by Chris Bourque.

It's a costly series of injuries for the Penguins, because not only are they without one of their top offensive players in Malkin, the promotion of Staal to the second line, combined with the absence of Kennedy, breaks up the third line of Staal, Kennedy and Matt Cooke, which has been one of their most consistent lines all season.