If Malkin (lower body) skates over the weekend, then he will probably accompany the team on its West Coast road trip.

If Malkin (lower body) skates over the weekend, then he will probably accompany the team on its West Coast road trip.

Analysis:

"That's going to be the key thing, whether the trainers clear (Malkin) to get on the ice or not," coach Mike Johnston said. Pittsburgh travels to Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver next week.