Ryan Malone was the only Tampa Bay Lightning forward to find the net as they ground out a 2-1 SO win against the Montreal Canadiens Tuesday. Even so, the Bolts managed 45 shots on goal, which might have been their way of saying that they don't "need" Steve Stamkos. Malone ranks high on the list of players who are serious variables in the post-Stamkos era (however long that lasts).

Ryan Malone scored a goal while playing in his 600th career game on Saturday. "Growing up you always dream about playing in this league, but you never think about the number of games you will play," Malone said. "So it's a good feeling, and it is a privilege to play in this league so it's nice to have those little milestones." Malone is 33 years old and it certainly looks like he has more milestones ahead of him. That was his second goal and eighth point in 16 contests this season.

It looks as if Ryan Malone will skate on Tampa's third line Saturday against the Red Wings. He was on the wing alongside Nate Thompson and B.J. Crombeen in Saturday morning's scrimmage. That's a far drop from where he was playing on the top unit featuring Steven Stamkos and Martin St. Louis. As long as Alex Killorn is doing the job on the Bolts' top line, Malone will have limited fantasy value.

Ryan Malone contributed two assists in Sunday's 4-3 shootout win over Florida. Malone is an injury risk but assisting on goals by Martin St. Louis and Steve Stamkos should get the attention of fantasy owners. He has one goal and five assists 11 games to go with 27 shots, 22 hits and 28 penalty minutes. Malone may be worth taking a flier on if you are hurting from injuries.

Ryan Malone notched a goal and an assist in Tampa Bay's 5-1 victory over Los Angeles Tuesday. He took advantage of his time on the team's top line with Martin St. Louis and Steve Stamkos with a solid outing. Malone has one goal and three assists in six games this season to go with 26 penalty minutes.

Ryan Malone returned to action on Thursday October 3.

Ryan Malone didn't play in Friday's pre-season game but should be ready to go for Tampa's season opener against Boston Thursday. Malone, who is recovering from an upper-body injury, practised on Friday and seems to be almost fully recovered. It is hard to bank on Malone, from a fantasy perspective. He is often injured and it is not clear if he will play on one of the Bolts' top two lines. Don't expect more than 40 points from him. If you get more, it will be a nice surprise.

Ryan Malone didn't play Thursday and he's listed as day-to-day with an upper-body injury. However, coach Jon Cooper is only being held out of the lineup as a precaution. "He's in no jeopardy in my eyes of missing regular-season games," Cooper added. "Now, it's not the regular season so it's a much different level of concern, but as of now I'm not concerned."

According to the Tampa Bay Lightning, Ryan Malone did not practice Wednesday because of an upper-body injury. Malone called it "a body-maintenance issue." He was scheduled to play Thursday against the Florida Panthers, but right now it's unclear if that will happen.

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Ryan Malone said that he's geared his offseason training toward making it through a full regular season. He was limited to 24 games in 2013, 68 in 2011-12 and 54 in 2010-11. Impressively, he scored 20 goals in 2011-12 and 14 in 2010-11, so it's easy to see why he can be a valuable power forward in fantasy and reality. His fragility obviously makes him a gamble, but it could also allow him to be a bargain.