Malkin out for Penguins; Martin returns for Devils

Mar 18, 2010 - 12:01 AM NEWARK, N.J.(AP) -- Evgeni Malkin is out of the Pittsburgh Penguins lineup because of a right foot injury, but New Jersey Devils defenseman Paul Martin is back after missing 59 games.

Malkin was injured Sunday when he was struck by a shot from teammate Kris Letang during a game at Tampa Bay. Malkin briefly stepped onto the ice Wednesday for the Penguins' morning skate but came off after a few strides.

He is second on the Penguins to captain Sidney Crosby with 23 goals and 69 points.

Martin, activated by the Devils from the injured list on Wednesday, has been out since breaking a forearm on Oct. 24 at Pittsburgh. He had surgery on Dec. 22 that forced him to give up his spot on the U.S. Olympic team.

Martin made an instant impact when he scored an unassisted goal - his first goal of the season - with a shot from the right circle that gave the Devils a 2-1 lead with 1:42 left in the first period.