Penguins superstar Evgeni Malkin played on a sprained ankle that was not completely healed during the playoffs, general manager Jim Rutherford revealed in a candid media session Tuesday morning at Consol Energy Center.

Patric Hornqvist also played with a broken rib.

“Geno is the type of guy that’s not going to use excuses. But he sprained his ankle, OK? He came back sooner than most players would,” Rutherford said. “He continued to play on an ankle that was not 100 percent. (Patric) Honrqvist was the same. He had a broken rib. He came back and he played with it.”

The Rangers eliminated the Penguins in five games in the opening round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Malkin was held without a point during the playoffs, and had no goals in his last 15 games. He had no points in his last 10.