Pittsburgh Penguins injury updates: Evgeni Malkin, Christian Ehrhoff

Christian Ehrhoff update

En route to Edmonton but wanted to pass along that defenseman Christian Ehrhoff is not with the club there. Won't play this week.

— Jason Mackey (@Mackey_Trib) February 3, 2015

Not surprising but still disappointing. The Pens took 7 defensemen out for their three game Western Canada trip - which means one of Derrick Pouliot or Scott Harrington will be playing each night. As of now, Harrington is the odd man out but if there's another injury he will slot into the lineup.

Crosby to get his mojo back?

It's been quite the season for Sidney Crosby. Everyone's got an opinion of what his problem is, but keep in mind that Crosby is only 6 points back of the scoring leader (with Sid playing 6 fewer games). Going to Western Canada might be exactly what the doctor ordered.

Crosby is a rock star out there, the games have great energy. The ice is good. The crowds don't really hate him out there, rare on the road for such a star, instead they ooh and ahh when he has the puck and admire the greatness.

The upcoming opponents are also nothing special in keeping pucks out of their own net. Edmonton is 28th in the league while allowing 3.28 goals/game, Calgary is 12th and Vancouver is 15th. And, other than Vancouver's 4th ranked penalty kill, Calgary (26) and Edmonton (23) have struggled in those departments.

This could be just the time for Crosby to re-emerge as the point producing powerhouse that we all know and love.

Perfect practice makes perfect

The Pens haven't looked sharp lately, and they won't have a lot of time practice time to correct anything. After a skate last Monday (Jan 26) at the end of the all-star break, the Pens didn't hold another practice until Saturday afternoon. Today they got a skate in Edmonton for their third time since the All-Star break.

Not too much time to correct some of the errors popping up and with three games in four days about to begin again, the vicious cycle of the NHL season continues.

Malkin to return?

Breaking:? Just heard from Mike Johnston that Evgeni Malkin will be back in the lineup tomorrow against Edmonton.

— Michael Arcuri (@arcurimike) February 3, 2015

Looks like Evgeni Malkin is back tomorrow night for the Edmonton game. He skated with Mark Arcobello and Patric Hornqvist today.

Which means, if lines hold that Beau Bennett could be a healthy scratch for the second time in three games. Sadly, the Pens 4th line of Zach Sill - Maxim Lapierre - Craig Adams remained in tact.