Oct 31, 2009

NHL's Penguins Lose Malkin For 3 Weeks

Scoring Star Malkin Sidelined With Shoulder Injury

The Pittsburgh Penguins will be without the services of the NHL's scoring champion Evgeni Malkin for at least the next two to three weeks because of a strained right shoulder. The Russian center is expected to miss the next 10 games while he rests and rehabs his shoulder in an attempt to get it healthy. Malkin was the MVP of the Stanley Cup playoffs last season by scoring 14 goals and making 22 assists in 24 playoff games. He was also the NHL's top scorer edging out Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin 113-110 for the regular season scoring title.

The injury will end Malkin's streak of 254 consecutive regular season games played and will also undoubtedly hurt the Penguins scoring punch during his absence. Malkin is currently tied with Sidney Crosby for the team lead in scoring with 14 points derived from 4 goals and 10 assists in just 12 games. Although the penguins are off to a very good start this season, the betting odds of them being as strong of a team without the presence of Malkin on the ice are slim and none. It is a pretty good hockey bet that the Penguins' record will suffer considerably until he is healthy enough to get back on the ice and contribute to the team's offensive scoring ability. Without him, they are still a good team, but with him they are a great team.

By Bryan Jackson
Staff Writer
Betsportsweb.com
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