Sullivan optimistic Malkin will be ready for playoffs

Not all injury news was bad in Pittsburgh on Wednesday.

After it was announced that Kris Letang would undergo surgery on a herniated disk in his neck and be out of the lineup for four-to-six months, head coach Mike Sullivan spoke about Evgeni Malkin and was confident the sniper would be back for the postseason.

"We're optimistic that Geno will be ready," Sullivan said. "He's been skating for a couple days now."

Malkin has been out of the lineup since March 15 with a shoulder injury, missing the last 10 games. His return would be a welcome addition considering he sits second on the club with 33 goals and 72 points.

In other injury news, players sidelined by various ailments - including Bryan Rust, Matt Cullen, and Olli Maatta, but minus Chris Kunitz - will join the team on their season-ending three-game road trip.