Penguins' Evgeni Malkin: Not ready to return

Malkin (upper body) remains sidelined for Tuesday's matchup with Columbus.

Analysis:

Malkin will miss his 10th consecutive contest with this ailment. At this point, the priority for the center should be getting ready for the postseason. The Pens will be looking to lock up home ice for their first-round series Tuesday, but rushing the 30-year-old back into the lineup for games that won't make or break them seems like an unnecessary risk. Per coach Mike Sullivan, Malkin is status quo until the team announces otherwise.