It appears Evgeni Malkin will miss more time than originally expected.

The Pittsburgh Penguins star was ruled out for the club's next three games Thursday, but he's now considered week-to-week with a lower-body injury, head coach Mike Sullivan confirmed Friday.

Malkin, 34, took a heavy hit from Boston Bruins defenseman Jarred Tinordi during Tuesday's contest. He returned for one shift after the collision before exiting the game.

The 6-foot-3 sniper had been heating up following a slow start to the season. He recorded four goals and eight assists over an eight-game point streak entering Tuesday's tilt with the Bruins.

The Penguins enter Friday's action sitting fourth in the East Division based on points percentage.

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