Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Brian Dumoulin has an eye for trends.

Particularly among his teammates.

To wit, the last time forward Evgeni Malkin missed a game, he returned to the lineup and erupted for a hat trick against the Detroit Red Wings.

After being sidelined for a 5-1 road loss to the New York Rangers on March 25, Malkin shook off his malady and diced up the Red Wings for three goals and an assist while spearheading the Penguins to an 11-3 win March 27 at home.

Less than a month later, Dumoulin can be forgiven for being a bit speculative.

With Malkin having completed a four-game suspension, he’s set to rejoin his teammates for a road game Saturday.

Against the struggling Red Wings.

“You miss (Malkin), the confidence that he brings,” Dumoulin said. “You saw … he was out the game before, and he came back against the Detroit Red Wings the last time. I thought that was one of his best games of the season. He was flying. You could tell how badly he wanted to be back out there.

“It’s fun to watch when he’s going.”

Things haven’t been going well for Malkin as of late thanks to the suspension he earned by way of cross checking Nashville Predators defenseman Mark Borowiecki in the face April 10. That assault liberated Borowiecki’s mouth of a few teeth and Malkin of $190,000 in salary.

The Penguins are hoping Malkin will be able to cash in on a scuttling power-play unit that has struggled in recent weeks. In the past nine games, the Penguins are a lousy 1 for 21 (4.7 %).

Malkin figures to inject an immediate boost of skill to that unit. Despite appearing in only 37 games this season, he is tied for second on the team with eight power-play goals.

“His impact on the power play is significant,” Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said. “(Malkin) adds a dimension to our power play. He just adds a level of unpredictability. He’s got a bomb of a shot for a one-timer. He’s such a threat. He opens up opportunities for others away from him. His instinctive play, I think, creates a certain amount of unpredictability with respect to our power play that makes it hard to defend.”

In contrast, defending Malkin in terms of five-on-five play hasn’t been all that difficult. Of his 37 points this season, only 18 (nine goals, nine assists) have come during even-strength situations.

According to Natural Stat Trick, Malkin has been on the ice for 19 even-strength goals for and 27 against.

Sullivan acknowledged Malkin’s less than ideal play in five-on-five situations Friday.

And he also suggested a possible solution in the form of right winger Bryan Rust.

“(Malkin’s) game five-on-five has been sporadic,” Sullivan said. “There’s been times where he’s been really good. I think his best games were when he was playing with (Rust). I think (Rust) brings a certain dimension to that line that helps (Malkin) and whoever we have on the other flank with them be effective. (Rust’s) speed helps, his ability to get on the forecheck, his defensive awareness, his play away from the puck and he has good offensive instincts. (Rust’s) presence on that line certainly helps (Malkin’s) five on five. In my opinion, those are the best games that (Malkin has) played this year.”

The numbers validate that notion. Between March 15 and 29, Malkin and Rust primarily were teamed on the Penguins’ second line for a seven-game stretch, including the rout of the Red Wings. Over that span, Malkin generated nine points (six goals, three assists), including four even-strength goals. Additionally, Malkin was in the black as far as being on the ice for even-strength goals, 5-4.

Malkin’s campaign has been far from perfect. Anytime you miss the first 34 games of the season because of a right knee injury, incur a four-game suspension and look somewhat spasmodic when you are on the ice, you’re not even in the gravitational field of perfect.

But Malkin’s return — coupled with a likely union with Rust — is providing plenty of optimism to his teammates.

“We’re obviously a better team when he’s in our lineup,” Penguins forward Brock McGinn said. “He brings so much skill to our group, obviously on our power play. His playmaking abilities are almost the best out there. Any time he’s out on the ice, he’s dangerous and we’re glad to have him back.”

Notes: Penguins forward Jason Zucker did not participate during Friday’s practice in Cranberry because of an undisclosed illness not related to covid-19. According to Sullivan, Zucker was expected to travel with the team for its upcoming two-game road trip. … Forward Jeff Carter, who left Thursday’s 4-0 home win against the Boston Bruins during the third period because of an undisclosed injury, participated in Friday’s practice and was labeled as being available for Saturday’s game.

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