Pens Activate Evgeni Malkin From IR

April 23, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (71) plays the puck in the corner as Buffalo Sabres center Kevin Porter (12) defends during the third period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Buffalo Sabres won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Penguins announced via Twitter (@penguins) that they have activated superstar forward Evgeni Malkin from injured reserve.

Malkin hasn’t played since March 9th, in which a hard check by Toronto forward James van Riemsdyk kept him out nine games straight.

It was reported that Malkin skated Thursday morning alongside partner James Neal and forward Brenden Morrow.

His status for tonight’s game is still unconfirmed, but you can count on him playing.

In 24 games this season, Malkin has 24 points (5G, 19A) and skated to a minus-1 rating.