Day in the NHL: Penguins' Evgeni Malki..

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Pittsburgh • Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin skated with his teammates on Tuesday morning and is hopeful he can return to the lineup later this week.

The reigning NHL MVP has missed Pittsburgh's last five games with an undisclosed upper body injury.

He worked out by himself then joined the rest of the Penguins for a morning skate though he was ruled out for Tuesday night's game against Washington.

Malkin says he feels good. He called skating with the rest of the team the next step in his rehab. He said it's been difficult to watch but is pleased with what he's seen from Pittsburgh.

Pens extend win streak

Defenseman Matt Niskanen scored the go-ahead goal in the third period and Sidney Crosby had two assists and the Pittsburgh Penguins extended their winning streak to 10 games with a 2-1 victory over Washington.

Niskanen's goal at 11:58 came nine seconds after the Penguins killed a four-minute penalty in the third period.

Day in the NHL: Penguins' Evgeni Malkin may return to action Friday