Penguins’ Hornqvist out a week, Malkin travels

Evgeni-Malkin;-Patric-Hornqvist

Pittsburgh Penguins' Evgeni Malkin, left, and Patric Hornqvist could return to the lineup on Saturday. (Gene J. Puskar/AP)

Pittsburgh Penguins centre Evgeni Malkin will miss Tuesday night’s game in New Jersey, but coach Mike Johnston says Malkin could be available later this week.

The NHL’s sixth-leading scorer left Saturday’s loss to Boston in the first period with a lower-body injury, and missed Sunday’s lopsided defeat to Detroit. Pittsburgh begins a three-game road swing Tuesday against the Devils. Johnston says there’s a strong chance Malkin could rejoin the team in time for Thursday’s game in Dallas or Saturday’s visit to Arizona.

The Penguins will be without forward Patric Hornqvist for at least the next three games. Hornqvist suffered an undisclosed injury against the Red Wings. Johnston said it does not appear to be a long-term problem. Hornqvist is tied for second on the team with 23 goals.

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