The Pittsburgh Penguins appear to have reason for optimism as they continue their road trip. The team has delivered strong performances even while missing key players in recent weeks. Now, the possible return of two familiar veterans could bolster the lineup.
That situation makes their upcoming game in Colorado especially important.
Sidney Crosby Could Follow As Evgeni Malkin Returns Against Avalanche
The Penguins face the Colorado Avalanche tonight as their five-game road trip continues. Pittsburgh recently picked up a 4-3 win over the Utah Mammoth on March 14, which helped the team halt a short losing streak.
They now hold a 33-18-15 record with 81 points, sitting second in the Metropolitan Division and tied with the New York Islanders for that position. Despite missing Evgeni Malkin and captain Sidney Crosby in recent games, the Penguins have remained near the top of the standings.
A major development for this game is the return of Malkin. The veteran center completed a five-game suspension that began after an incident against the Buffalo Sabres on March 5. Malkin was suspended for slashing defenseman Rasmus Dahlin during that game.
While he was unavailable, the Penguins posted a 2-1-2 record. They also went 1-1-1 in the first three games of their current road trip. Malkin is expected to return to his usual role in the top six and likely resume his place on the team’s first power-play unit. Before the suspension, he had recorded 13 goals and 47 points in 46 games this season.
Another important storyline involves Crosby, as the Penguins captain has not played since Feb. 18, during the Olympic break. Crosby suffered a lower-body injury while representing Team Canada against Team Czechia in the quarterfinal round of the 2026 Winter Olympics. The injury was later identified as a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his right knee.
The Penguins placed Crosby on injured reserve on Feb. 25. At that time, the team expected him to miss at least four weeks while recovering.
Since then, Crosby has made progress. He has been traveling with the team during the road trip and has participated in practices and morning skates, including light contact sessions, as he moves closer to game action.
His status for Monday’s game remains uncertain, and he is listed as a game-time decision.
A recent NHL report summarized the situation: “Evgeni Malkin will be back, and Sidney Crosby could be, too, when the Pittsburgh Penguins visit Nathan MacKinnon and the NHL-leading Colorado Avalanche.”
Crosby leads the Penguins this season with 59 points, including 27 goals and 32 assists in 56 games. Pittsburgh has managed a 4-3-3 record during his absence.
For Pittsburgh, the possible presence of both Malkin and Crosby could strengthen the lineup as the team works to maintain its position in the Metropolitan Division race.
