Pittsburgh Penguins star Evgeni Malkin says his struggling team needs to start playing harder if it wants to return to the playoffs.

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin has been labeled as a “game-time decision” for Thursday’s game against the Edmonton Oilers at PPG Paints Arena. Coach Mike Sullivan declared Malkin’s status during an optional morning skate in Cranberry.

The Pittsburgh Penguins placed center Evgeni Malkin on Injured Reserve (IR) on Sunday, while activating forward Philip Tomasino off IR. According to Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reporter Seth Rorabaugh,

Recommended Videos Malkin is well aware his historic partnership ... and skated unchallenged down the slot before beating Tristan Jarry. Moments later, Tolvanen stood alone in front of the net ...

PITTSBURGH – Sitting in a quiet dressing room on Tuesday night after another blown lead turned into another crippling loss in a season increasingly filled with them, Evgeni Malkin spoke quietly.

Saturday’s loss in Seattle dropped L.A. to 2-3-0 on what coach Jim Hiller called an “unsuccessful” five-game trek.

Since winning back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017, the Pittsburgh Penguins haven't found a steady option at goaltender. Tristan Jarry has been shaky at best, with a side of playoff disappointment.

What a roller coaster the past week (or so) has been for the Pittsburgh Penguins. They went from sullen and frustrated over an important homestand to dealing with the first big shoe to drop, to opening a crucial extended road trip in spectacular fashion and then getting a cold dose of reality.

As the hockey world sees their seasons hit the midway point, how do the prospects in the Pittsburgh Penguins system rank?

Pittsburgh goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic made NHL history by scoring an empty-net goal and adding an assist to go along with 40 saves in the Penguins’ 5-2 road win over the Buffalo Sabres on Friday night.

Nedeljkovic became the first goalie in NHL history to have a goal and an assist in a game during the Pittsburgh Penguins' 5-2 win against the Buffalo Sabres.