Tampa, FL (Sports Network) - Tampa Bay Lightning forward Ryan Malone will return from a month-long absence in Thursday's game against the Winnipeg Jets, with the team officially taking the veteran wing off injured reserve prior to the contest.
Malone had been sidelined by a lower-body injury he sustained during pregame warmups prior to a loss at the New York Rangers on Feb. 10. He had missed 13 consecutive games with the ailment.
"Thanks to everyone for the well wishes and support. It will great to be back on the ice tonight and play in front of [our] great fans#GoBolts," Malone wrote on his Twitter account on Thursday.
The 33-year-old had put up four goals and one assist over Tampa Bay's first 10 outings of the 2013 campaign.
