According to multiple sources, including Tampa beat writer Damian Cristodero, Tampa forward (and former Pittsburgh player and native) Ryan Malone has left the game with an undisclosed upper body injury.
Ryan Malone is a “questionable return” with an upper-body injury, the team reports. Big loss for the Lightning if he’s out.
Malone only was able to play three shifts in the first period of this game 3, and only totaled 1:33 of ice-time. Reports have said that he has been heavily icing his shoulder and torso in between games and Malone also missed several weeks this season with an undisclosed upper body injury.
Malone provides a lot of size, skill and leadership to Tampa, and if he is unable to play for an extended period of time it will represent a big loss for them. This time of year teams are not forthcoming with injury details or diganoses, so it’ll pretty much be a “wait and see” type deal for when Malone may be able to return.
Penguins fans will remember Malone once blocked a shot with his face in the 2008 Stanley Cup Finals, resulting in facial injuries including a broken nose and a lot of blood. The big forward would not end up missing any time, despite a disformed face. So any injury he must have to even have him stunned this time of year must be something significant.