Penguins' Evgeni Malkin: Ruled out Thursday

Malkin (knee) has skated on his own the past couple days but won't play Thursday against the Red Wings.

Pens coach Mike Sullivan was again somewhat cryptic in his timeframe regarding a potential Malkin return. "I wouldn't say it's a week, I think it's getting closer to day-to-day," Sullivan said. Malkin will need to first practice with the team before seeing action, something he has yet to do. Pittsburgh plays Saturday and Sunday. If Malkin is indeed day-to-day then there's still a chance he could return over the weekend.