Penguins' Maatta returns to lineup 2 weeks after cancer surgery

There may not be a more inspiring story in the NHL this season.

Only two weeks after undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from his thyroid, Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Olli Maatta will make his return to the lineup Tuesday against the Montreal Canadiens.

The 20-year-old said he's excited to play, and should be met with a raucous ovation from the Montreal crowd, who supported Saku Koivu in his return from cancer back in 2002.