Malkin to miss 2-3 weeks with shoulder injury

Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin miss 2-3 weeks due to a shoulder strain.

Malkin is lauded for his scoring prowess -- he led the League in scoring last season -- but what's often overlooked is his durability. Since missing the first four games of his rookie season with a shoulder injury, sustained when he tripped over teammate John LeClair in a preseason game -- Malkin has not missed a game, playing in 254 in a row.

That streak will end, however, as the team revealed the injury Thursday.

"Geno is going to be out of the lineup for a couple of weeks," Penguins coach Dan Bylsma told the club's Web site. "He strained his shoulder about 10 days or so ago. I don't know the exact day. It is precautionary for the player. We are worried about the safety of the shoulder. A couple weeks of rest and rehab will get that thing healthy so he can get back onto the ice."

Malkin won his first Art Ross Trophy last season when he posted a League-high 113 points, and he won the postseason scoring title when he finished with League-highs of 22 assists and 36 points, and his 14 goals was second to teammate Sidney Crosby. Malkin also become the first Russian-born player to win the Conn Smythe Trophy.

Malkin also was a Hart Trophy finalist for the second-straight season.

In 12 games this season, Malkin is tied with Crosby for team scoring lead with 14 points.

Bylsma said the injury is something Malkin could have played through, but considering it's only October, he determined it's better to rest now so he's strong for later in the season.

"Obviously he has played with it and could gut it out, which is what Geno would be apt to do," Bylsma said. "At this time of the year the concern is the player and this is a precautionary measure."

A disappointed Malkin said he would make the trip to Columbus just to be around the team.

"I can play good, but it's the early season," Malkin said of injury. "I feel good. It's not a big problem, and I'm fine. I'll be watching and supporting the team on the trip. It'll be fine.

"It's OK. It's not the pain. It feels good. It's because it doesn't feel comfortable now."