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PHN EXTRA: Malkin Giddy as a Schoolkid on Eve of Weekend Games
CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, Pa. – Evgeni Malkin’s Pittsburgh Penguins teammates will tell you the rangy Russian center can be funny, even goofy at times. Friday, he readily admitted to something else – being downright giddy.
Malkin, like several regulars, did not play in either of the team’s first two preseason games, both on the road. It’s expected that by the end of the weekend pretty much everybody will have dressed for at least one exhibition game. The Penguins have afternoon home games Saturday against Columbus and Sunday against Detroit.
“You know what? I’m still nervous,” Malkin said after practice, and he was nearly gushing. “I’m excited for sure and a little bit nervous. It’s been a long time. It’s not easy to (come) back. I’m glad we play at home. It’s time to be back. It’s two weeks before the first (regular-season) game. Yeah, we need to start to (get to our) game. It’s exciting.”