Malkin returns, Zatkoff gets another start in Game 2

Geno's back.

Pittsburgh Penguins superstar Evgeni Malkin is playing in Game 2 of his club's first-round series against the New York Rangers, his first action since mid-March, when he suffered an upper-body injury that cost him the final month of the regular season.

Malkin played only nine minutes against Columbus on March 11, recording two assists before leaving the game, and the Penguins have been on fire ever since. Pittsburgh beat the Blue Jackets 3-2, and have since won 15 of 17, including Game 1 against New York.

Meanwhile, in goal, Marc-Andre Fleury remains out due to the lingering effects of a concussion, and Jeff Zatkoff made his second consecutive start. The 28-year-old third-string goalie was thrust into the spotlight in Game 1, and he was a star, stopping 35 of 37 shots in his playoff debut. Tristan Jarry will back up Zatkoff.

The Penguins are peaking at the right time, and Malkin's return will make a formidable squad that much better. The dynamic center was having another superb season, finishing with 27 goals and 31 assists in 58 games. He had 27 power-play points, including 11 power-play goals, and six game-winners. While the Penguins - and Sidney Crosby - got off to a slow start, Malkin was consistent throughout.

The Rangers already face an uphill climb. And even though Henrik Lundqvist is good to go after sustaining an eye injury in Game 1, Malkin's return means New York's path to the second round is now that much more difficult.