After the loss, Sullivan provided his thoughts on Malkin's absence from the lineup. “He's an important player for us,” the Penguins bench boss said, via NHL.com. “He's a top-two center, he's dynamic with the puck. He's not an easy guy to replace.”

Pittsburgh Penguins superstar forward Evgeni Malkin suffered a INJURY X against the TEAM X on Xday. In this his 17th NHL season,

Crosby signed a two-year extension last September. He has repeatedly said he plans to only play for the Penguins. He has a full no-trade clause. Fenway Sports Group, which owns the Penguins, wants him to be part of the organization for the rest of his life.