Another headache for Penguins

By Brian Metzer

Beaver County Times Sports Correspondent | Posted: Saturday, February 23, 2013 6:10 pm

http://www.timesonline.com

The Penguins moved back into a first-place tie in the Atlantic Division on Friday night but they suffered a huge loss in the process.

Reigning MVP Evgeni Malkin was knocked out of the Penguins' 3-1 win over Florida after crashing into the boards following a hit by Panthers defenseman Erik Gudbranson in the third period.

It's believed that Malkin is experiencing concussion symptoms such as mild disorientation and severe headaches though the team hasn’t officially confirmed a concussion diagnosis.

Minimally, Malkin will miss at least one game according to coach Dan Bylsma.

“He is ruled out for (Sunday night's game against Tampa Bay) and he’s still getting evaluated as to the extent of the hit and going into the boards hard,” the Penguins' coach said after Saturday's practice at Southpointe.

The one thing that was confirmed is that it is going to be an ongoing process and that there is no timetable for the Russian to return.

The Penguins are well versed in managing injuries to their superstars after having dealt with the loss of captain Sidney Crosby due to concussion, head and neck issues over the past two seasons. It is also a reason why they are going to proceed with caution.

“It’s hard to know what to expect in any situations of this nature,” Bylsma said. “In terms of protocol and continued evaluation, I think you’ve got to continue to do that (cautious approach) and some of the other things. (The Crosby situation) mentioned would be the reason why.”

Malkin, who has scored four goals and added 17 assists on the season, has been a big part of the team’s power play success this season and has helped James Neal stay among the league’s leading goal scorers with his slick playmaking skills. He leaves behind some pretty big shoes but there does seem to be a plan moving forward.

“I think Dustin Jeffrey would much likely fit into a third-line center role,” Bylsma said. “Whether that’s with Matt Cooke and Tyler Kennedy, that’s probably where Dustin would slot into and Brandon (Sutter) would probably play with James Neal and Beau Bennett on that line.”

The Penguins leaves for a three-game road trip Tuesday. Bylsma wouldn't say whether Malkin will make the trip, but it is expected that he will remain in Pittsburgh.

“We follow NHL protocol in terms of evaluating them and testing them and we will continue to do so," said Bylsma.

Malkin, who was being defended by Gudbranson as he cut towards the Florida net, was slightly off balance when the young defenseman made contact with him sending him tumbling. He was unable to brace himself and hit back first. The collision caused Malkin’s head to whiplash violently and he lay on the ice motionless for a few seconds before groggily getting up and heading to the Penguins’ locker room.

“It’s just a dangerous spot, the way he goes in,” Neal said. “I hope he’s OK."

Gudbranson was not penalized on the play and admitted that he was just taking an opportunity to defend his net and lay a hit on an attacking forward.

"I just finished my check," Gudbranson said. "You never want to see a guy go down. He's in a vulnerable position, but you can't pass up a hit like that. It's unfortunate that he got hurt on the play, but it's a hit that I'd take every time.”