A couple of key injury updates to pass along:
First, Evgeni Malkin has been upgraded from “50-50" to play in the Penguins’ opener tomorrow versus Anaheim. His new chances are very good -- “99 percent,” according to coach Mike Johnston.
Malkin, normally a center, is expected to play right wing on a line with Brandon Sutter in the middle and Pascal Dupuis on the left side.
Meanwhile, in Detroit, the Red Wings will be without Pavel Datsyuk (shoulder) tomorrow for their opener versus Boston. Andrej Nestrasil is set to take Datsyuk’s spot in the lineup. For Nestrasil, it would be his first NHL game.
Related: Ouellet, Mrazek sent to AHL; Nestrasil stays with Wings