Maatta In, Malkin Likely To Play In Season-Opener
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) –A day after saying he was "50/50" to play in the Pittsburgh Penguins' opener Thursday night, it appears the scales have tipped significantly for Evgeni Malkin.
According to the Penguins' official website, head coach Mike Johnston said the chances Malkin plays are about "99 percent."
Malkin missed most of training camp and all six preseason games while dealing with an undisclosed injury.
He finally got back on the ice the past two days. It seems that was enough to be available for the season-opener against the Anaheim Ducks.
However, don't expect to see Malkin taking many faceoffs Thursday night. The initial plan will see him at least start the game on the right wing on a line with Brandon Sutter and Pascal Dupuis.
In another bit of good news, defenseman Olli Maatta will also suit up for the game against the Ducks.
Maatta underwent shoulder surgery following the Penguins' playoff loss to the New York Rangers. Like Malkin, Maatta missed all six preseason games.
However, he has been practicing with the team throughout training camp.
The puck is set to drop at 7 p.m.
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