Gonchar, Malkin remain out - 03-31-10

Penguins defenseman Sergei Gonchar (strep throat) and forward Evgeni Malkin (foot) both confirmed they will not play tonight. Gonchar has not played in the past three games. Malkin has missed the past four.

In 57 games, Gonchar has 44 points (10 goals, 34 assists) and is a minus-7.

In 63 games, Malkin (right) has 70 points (24 goals, 46 assists) and is a minus-6.

EN Says: Dan Bylsma indicated if this were a playoff game, they probably both would play. But Gonchar was wheezing and hacking up pretty good in the locker room after practice this morning. He's probably needs a little bit more downtime to get everything out of his system.

And Malkin's injury probably won't get better with anything but rest.

The Penguins should enter the playoffs with two of their most valuable players as healthy as possible.

(Photo: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)