The Penguins are returning winger Chris Conner to their American Hockey League affiliate in Wilkes-Barre.

The significance of that move is that it leaves them with just 18 skaters, 12 of whom are forwards.

That means center Evgeni Malkin, who missed the past seven games because of a strained shoulder, is being counted on to play when the Penguins face Boston tomorrow night at Mellon Arena.

The Penguins are 2-5 without Malkin in the lineup.

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