The Pittsburgh Penguins are currently struggling, having lost six games in a row, marking their toughest stretch in the 2024-25 season. However, there could be a turnaround soon. Injured forwards Evgeni Malkin, Blake Lizotte, and Phillip Hallander were seen skating together at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry, Pennsylvania, although they did not join the full team practice. This sighting gives hope that they are making headway in their recovery. Head coach Dan Muse stated that there have been no changes regarding Malkin and Lizotte’s conditions, emphasizing it’s just another step in their rehabilitation process.
The Penguins are expected to see the return of at least one of these players soon. Since both Malkin and Lizotte were placed on injured reserve on December 9, the team’s record has been 0-2-4 and 0-2-3 respectively without them, leading to a rotating lineup at the center position. At the time of his injury, Malkin was the team’s top scorer with eight goals and 29 points in 26 games and his absence has limited their offensive power-play options. Lizotte has also been a key player, recognized for his strong defensive abilities and significant ice time in crucial situations.
Phillip Hallander, another center, was sidelined with a blood clot on November 7 and is expected to be out for about three months. He had accumulated one goal and four points in 13 games before his injury. Additionally, there’s news that the Penguins might be sold to a new ownership group, adding an extra layer of development to the team’s future landscape.
Fan Take: This update is crucial for Penguins fans and hockey enthusiasts as the return of these key players could dramatically change the team’s fortunes this season. Additionally, the potential ownership change signals a turning point that could reshape the franchise’s direction in the coming years, impacting the broader NHL landscape.
