from Jenn Menendez of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette,

Evgeni Malkin did not mince words Friday in a frank assessment of the Penguins.

“We play so bad right now. It’s true. Not just one guy, the whole team,” said Malkin. “Not fun [to] watch, you know. Last game I think [was the] worst game all season. It’s not fun to watch it.”

He also said he is sure the Penguins can turn this around.

“Yeah, of course. There’s a great chance. When you win, it’s more confidence for everyone,” Malkin said.

Could Malkin be the spark the Penguins need to generate some confidence?

Malkin and Patric Hornqvist are “very close” to returning to lineup, coach Mike Johnston said Friday, almost gleefully.

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