NHL News: Evgeni Malkin returns, Tyler Seguin activated off IR, and Connor McDavid not chasing 100 points
Anthony Scultore
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Evgeni Malkin and Tyler Seguin are off IR. That’s two big guns coming back just in time for the final push to the playoffs. Both the Pittsburgh Penguins and Dallas Stars are getting offensive reinforcements in the nick of time.
Evgeni Malkin returns to the Penguins lineup
The Penguins will be getting back one of their biggest stars after a 23 game absence due to a lower-body injury. Evgeni Malkin returns to the lineup tonight with Pittsburgh facing the Philadelphia Flyers. With the playoffs just around the corner, the Pens are trying to hold off the Washington Capitals for first place in the East. They currently have a two point edge, but the Caps have a game in hand.
Evgeni Malkin’s return to the lineup should make an already good Pens team better. During the time he’s missed,Pittsburgh has amassed a 16-5-2 record. Not too shabby. The 34 year-old center has 24 points in 29 games on the season and will take pressure off Sidney Crosby who has carried the team on his back.
Tyler Seguin activated off IR
The Dallas Star are fighting for their playoff lives and may have just been given a huge boost. Out the entire year after hip surgery, Tyler Seguin has been activated off IR and is a game-time decision.
Dallas sits three points behind the Nashville Predators with a game in hand for fourth in the Central Division. Tonight, the Stars have to take on one of the division’s best in the Florida Panthers. Meanwhile the Preds have the easy pickings that have become the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Connor McDavid says it’s just a “number” when discussing chase for 100 points
The Edmonton Oilers take on the Vancouver Canucks as Connor McDavid needs 13 points in the team’s final 7 games to hit the 100 point mark. So how does McDavid feel about the chase?
“Personally, I want to continue to play good hockey, our group wants to continue to play good hockey,” McDavid said Saturday. “We want to go into the [Stanley Cup] Playoffs on a good note. Personally, it’s a number. Obviously, it’d be kind of different to be able to do it in a shortened season, but I’m not going to change anything. I’m just going to keep playing my game, and if I get there, I get there. And if not, whatever.”
NHL.com
Let’s be honest, he’s right. McDavid has all the points and accolades and individual in this sport can get. It’s about winning the Cup and his eyes are clearly focused on the prize.