Malkin and Hornqvist "really close"

The Penguins may get some reinforcements this weekend.

Both Evgeni Malkin (lower body injury) and Patric Hornqivst (undisclosed injury) are “really close” to returning to the lineup, Coach Mike Johnston said after practice today.

“They took the battle drills as you saw today in practice. They took the whole practice plus some extra battle drills at the end. I would assume the trainers will give us some feedback right away here as to where they think they are. They’ll probably be a game time decision. But they’re really close. They’re both close,” said Johnston. “Now what are they going to do to our lineup? Certainly they’re a big part of us generating. Both guys.”

The Penguins will host the Arizona Coyotes Saturday at Consol Energy Center and the San Jose Sharks on Sunday at 7 p.m. It will mark the club’s 15th set of back-to-back games this season.