Evgeni Malkin: Pittsburgh Penguins Without Center Indefinitely

When the Pittsburgh Penguins face off against the Washington Capitals at 12:30 p.m. EST on Super Bowl Sunday, they will be playing without more than just their All-Star center Sidney Crosby and center Mark Letestu.

All-Star center, Evgeni Malkin tore his ACL and MCL in a game Friday night against Buffalo. He had missed the All-Star game and the Penguins’ last five games with a sinus infection and left knee injury, and he will now be out indefinitely.

Malkin was Pittsburgh’s third leading scorer in both points and goals this season, and his injury adds not only to his own personal injury woes the past few campaigns, but also the team’s injury woes—specifically at his center position.

In a meeting with the press, Penguins head coach Dan Bylsma said of his status, "We’re discussing options with our doctor. Surgery is a possibility. I’m not sure if there is a rehab possibility."

The Penguins also recently placed Crosby on long-term injured reserve to open cap space for calling up replacement players for their injured teammates. Since his LTI status is back-dated to Jan. 5, Crosby will be available to come off LTI as soon as he is ready to play.

Bylsma was also cautiously optimistic about the team’s chances moving forward down the stretch, saying, "We have dealt with games without him. We’ve managed to find our way without him. That’s what we’re going to have to look at now."