For the first time since in more than two weeks Ryan Malone was able to practice, hitting the ice Tuesday morning at the Forum.

"Just excited to get back on the ice with the other guys," Malone said. "Hopefully I can get ready as soon as I can."

Malone has a leg injury that landed him on Injured Reserve Feb. 10 with a 3-4 week return timeline.

Head coach Guy Boucher said Malone will return "soon" but likely not in the next couple of games.

Boucher also announced Tuesday morning that Mathieu Garon will start in net against the Sabres.

"Garon's been playing very good for us, so just thought it's time for Garon," Boucher said.

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