Malkin dealing with undisclosed injury

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin's play has fallen off in the playoffs, but he might have a legitimate excuse.

Malkin is battling an undisclosed injury, according to NHL.com's Wes Crosby. 

The center is pointless over his last nine games. He missed a pair of contests with an undisclosed ailment earlier this month.

"That's part of the playoffs," Penguins captain Sidney Crosby said.

"That's what you see around the league, and this time of year it's not easy. Everyone's battling through stuff, especially him. He gets a lot of attention out there. So, for him to have to battle through that, it's important. But we're all in it together. We're all trying our best to create things. He's the same."

Crosby struggled in last year's playoffs before revealing he was dealing with a wrist injury.

Prior to Game 3, Malkin said he was playing at less than 100 percent. On Tuesday, he expressed disappointment with his play of late but said he remains focused. Malkin racked up 70 points in 69 games during the regular season.  

He managed one shot on goal while logging nearly 19 minutes of ice time in Wednesday's overtime loss to the New York Rangers in Game 4 of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series. 

The Rangers have a 3-1 series lead and the chance to eliminate the Penguins on Friday night at Madison Square Garden.