"Although he has skated with seemingly no pain for two consecutive days, center Evgeni Malkin remained out of the lineup when the Penguins hosted New Jersey on Saturday.

Malkin has not played since Oct. 13 because of lingering scar tissue issues in his surgically repaired knee. He has produced one goal and three assists in three games this season.

Malkin practiced with center Sidney Crosby for two days while the Penguins were in Winnipeg and Minnesota earlier this week. He then participated in Friday's practice and Saturday's morning skate.

The Penguins believe he will be back in the lineup soon and have emphasized that the injury isn't serious."