Penguins' Evgeni Malkin tears 2 knee ligaments

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Penguins star Evgeni Malkin has two torn knee ligaments, and it's not clear if he'll need surgery.

Malkin was injured during Friday's game against the Buffalo Sabres. Penguins coach Dan Bylsma said an MRI on Saturday showed tears to the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments. Bylsma said treatment options were being discussed.

Malkin, the NHL All-Star center who has 15 goals and 22 assists this season, had just returned from a five-game absence.

"You're talking about Evgeni Malkin and the quality of player that he is. He's a guy that's won a scoring title and a Conn Smythe (trophy)," Bylsma said. "We were anticipating getting him back in the lineup and healthy back in the lineup. This is a difficult injury for him."

Malkin nursed a knee problem as well as a sinus infection over this latest absence, which included him skipping the All-Star Game. But he practiced with the team this week, and managed three shots vs. the Sabres. However, he had just 6:03 of playing time, before colliding with defenseman Tyler Myers in the second period.

"It was kind of a fluke situation going into the boards with a guy," Bylsma said. "That's a tough injury for Geno. We have dealt with games without him. We've managed to find our way without him. That's what we're going to have to look at now."

Malkin is in his fifth year in the NHL, and has had at least 70 points in his first four. He has two 100-point seasons, and scored a career-high 47 goals in 2007-08.