Surprise: Evgeni Malkin Out for Game 2

Despite many indications Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin would play in Game 2 against the Washington Capitals, Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan today told assembled reporters Malkin was out.

Sullivan said it was not a setback and Malkin could be ready for Game 3.

In a departure from tradition, Malkin was made available to the media yesterday. Malkin did not commit to playing today but said he felt “so much better” and the Penguins would make a decision, Sunday morning.

Malkin suffered a lower body injury in Game 5, Round 1 when he tangled with Philadephia Flyers center Jori Lehtera. Malkin finished Game 5 but did not play in the series-clinching Game 6 or Game 1 against the Capitals.

The Penguins lead the best-of-seven series, 1-0 after rallying from a third period two-goal deficit in Game 1.