Rob Rossi.

Center Evgeni Malkin did not practice Monday because of illness.

Malkin did not speak with reporters and interim coach Dan Bylsma said he was unsure how long Malkin has been sick.

"It's not different than different times of the year when guys are sick," Bylsma said, adding he expects Malkin to play tonight at home against Atlanta.

Malkin has recorded only five points in seven games.

Center Sidney Crosby was selected the NHL's third star for last week, when he recorded eight points (two goals, six assists) in four games. Before games last night, Crosby was second in the NHL with 90 points. He trailed Malkin, who has 97.

Goalie Marc-Andre Fleury is expected to start tonight. Fleury started 19 consecutive games before Mathieu Garon was called upon Sunday in a home win against Boston. Fleury had previously never made more than 11 consecutive starts. He has appeared in 38 of the past 41 games.

Defenseman Philippe Boucher (left foot) reported no problems after taking part in practice yesterday. Boucher, who had surgery in mid-February, met with his doctor on Friday.

"He said I can do what I can tolerate," Boucher said. "I can go almost at my own pace. Starts and stops felt good. Cutting and hitting is the next step, and I'll be doing that in the next few days."

Boucher is on the long-term injury list. He has not played since Jan. 30 and said he "needs a few more practices" before he can play.

Winger Miroslav Satan recorded a goal and three assists Monday night in his debut for the AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, a 7-2 win over Albany. Satan, assigned to the team March 4, played in his first minor-league game since April 1, 1995.

DIGITS

256 -- Consecutive games played by Malkin, the leader among current Penguins

328 -- Penguins' record for consecutive games played, established by Ron Schock, from 1973-77