Pittsburgh, PA (Sports Network) - Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin is set to return Monday against Tampa Bay after recovering from a concussion.
Malkin was hurt in a Feb. 22 game against Florida after his head slammed into the boards. He was placed on injured reserve a few days later and this past Sunday passed all concussion tests.
"Evgeni Malkin was cleared for full contact (Sunday), went through the full practice and in the afternoon he took his ImPACT test and passed," said Penguins coach Dan Bylsma on Monday. "He is cleared to play and will be playing (Monday) in the game vs. Tampa Bay."
Malkin suffered his concussion after being taken out by Florida defenseman Erik Gudbranson on a clean hit. As the Penguins star sped toward the net, he slid backward after the hit and the back of his head crashed into the boards. He remained on the ice for a time before skating off under his own power.
In 18 games this season entering Monday's play, last year's Hart Trophy winner as league MVP has four goals and 17 assists. The Penguins were 2-2 in his absence.
