Why Malkin Won’t Make the Playoffs

As some of you already know, I am a die hard hockey fan.  And while I took great satisfaction in watching the Capitals steamroll the Penguins this past week, it wasn't the same without Crosby and Malkin.  I asked Phillip Godfrey, our Medical Exercise Specialist, to explain why we probably won't be seeing Malkin again this season. 

It was reported that Penguins’ Evgeni Malkin tore his MCL and ACL in the February 4^th game against the Buffalo Sabers.  The injury looked eerily similar to what Tom Brady suffered in recent years .  For Brady, the ACL/MCL injuries were season ending.  As for Malkin, expect the same. 

The direct impact on Malkin from Sabers’ defense man, Tyler Myers, created the impact and shearing forces to Malkin’s knee that left him crippled in pain.  The ACL and MCL are two of only four ligaments that stabilize the knee.  The MCL runs along the medial, inner, portion of the knee joint.  The ACL runs through the inside of the joint, from front to back.  Losing the ACL/MCL stability will result in an inability to pivot, twist, and plant.

Malkin, like Brady is a professional athlete which will help his recovery time. This is still a long road to recovery. Expect up to 6 weeks in recovering from the surgery allowing for the reduction of swelling.  Then, there will be 6 or more months of rehabilitation if there are no infections. Brady contracted an infection delaying his return.

The playoffs will start in April. My guess is Malkin will miss the playoffs and expect him back around the beginning of next season.

by Phillip Godfrey, MES