"The Penguins, a team considered to be deep at center, are hurting at that position.

For the team's home opener Tuesday night against Florida, Evgeni Malkin missed his second game in a row because of unspecified "soreness," according to coach Dan Bylsma , while Sidney Crosby (concussion) and Dustin Jeffrey (knee) remained out.

Malkin has two goals and an assist in two games, but played sparingly in the third period Saturday at Calgary and sat out the game Sunday at Edmonton.

He went on the ice Tuesday for the Penguins morning skate but skipped line rushes and power-play drills, and was the first one off the ice."