Two Penguins absent as Crosby and Malkin return to the ice.

The Pittsburgh Penguins were forced to take on a very tough opponent in the Dallas Stars without either captain Sidney Crosby or star forward Evgeni Malkin in the lineup due to injury. It was a tough blow for the Penguins who are in a very tight playoff race and unfortunately it would cost them dearly with the Stars taking a 6-3 regulation win, leaving the Penguins without so much as a single point.

On Sunday the Penguins received some good news when both Crosby and Malkin made their return to the ice, joining their teammates on the ice for the team's morning skate ahead of Monday's clash against the New York Islanders. That game will be of pivotal importance for both teams with only a single point currently separating them, but it sounds like the Penguins may once again have to play with a depleted lineup.

While Crosby and Malkin returned, notably absent from the morning skate were forwards Noel Acciari and Bryan Rust, once again leaving the Penguins depleted up front. During the game against the Stars both Acciari and Rust were struck by pucks but there's no telling if they are currently dealing with injuries or merely taking a maintenance day. It is unclear at this time if either Rust or Acciari, or both, will be available for Monday's game.

Update: Dan Muse has confirmed that Acciari and Rust are merely taking a maintenance day, although questions remain about Malkin's availability on Monday.

Here is how the Penguins looked during practice with both Acciari and Rust out of the lineup:

Forwards:

Mantha-Crosby-Rakell

Chinakhov-Novak-Malkin

McGroarty-Kindel-Brazeau

Soderblom-Dewar-Koivunen/Hayes

Defensemen:

Wotherspoon-Karlsson

Girard-Letang

Shea-Clifton