Pittsburgh Penguins Announce Evgeni Malkin Out 2-3 Weeks With Foot Injury

Mar 23, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center

(71) skates into the offensive zone with the puck as St. Louis Blues defenseman

(5) defends during the second period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The St. Louis Blues won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

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Just when the Pittsburgh Penguins were starting to feel good about their improving health, they suffered another blow.

The teamannounced Tuesdaythat centerEvgeni Malkin, fresh off scoring six points in his past three games, will miss two to three weeks with a foot injury suffered during Sunday’s loss to St. Louis.

Brandon Suttertook Malkin’s place betweenJussi JokinenandJames Nealduring Tuesday’s morning workout in advance of a home matchup against the Coyotes. WingerJayson Megnawas recalled from the AHL to fill out the Penguins’ active roster.

It’s difficult to imagine the timing of this injury being worse, unless it occurred during the Stanley Cup playoffs. Malkin had just erupted for four goals and two assists against Detroit and Tampa Bay, and he was arguably the most dynamic player on the ice against the Blues.

Related:Penguins carry positive puck-possession trend into matchup with Coyotes

The 27-year-old Malkin has already missed 11 games this season due to various ailments, but he is still second on the team in scoring (and tied for sixth in the NHL) with 72 points (23g, 49a) in 60 matches. Penguins coachDan Bylsmasaid surgery isn’t neededat this point.

If Malkin misses two weeks, he will return with just three games remaining in the regular season. If he misses three, he will have to jump right into postseason competition. The Penguins are a win away from clinching their eighth straight playoff berth and are nearly assured of being the Eastern Conference’ No. 2 seed behind Boston.

Pittsburgh is already missing top defensemenPaul Martin(broken hand/wrist) andKris Letang(stroke), although both could return before the end of the regular season. WingerBeau Bennetthasn’t played since November, but he is currently in the midst of a rehab stint with the AHL Penguins.

Defensemen Brooks Oprik andRob Scuderihave also missed significant time this year, as has wingerJames Neal. Also,Pascal Dupuishas been out since December with a severe knee injury that will sideline him until the fall. Pittsburgh has lost 439 man-games this season, the most in the NHL.