NHL Status Report: Ullmark taking leave of absence from Senators

Pittsburgh Penguins

Blake Lizotte (undisclosed) has been activated from injured reserve and returned to the lineup against the Blackhawks on Sunday. The forward, who has missed nine games, was a full participant at practice Saturday, skating as fourth-line center with left wing Connor Dewar and right wing Noel Acciari, for the first time since being injured Dec. 7. “To be honest, it’s a mystery for me too; I just started hurting,” Lizotte said. “I’m not really sure if it was a certain hit. There wasn’t a moment where I was like, ‘Oh, something happened.’ It just got more and more sore.” … Evgeni Malkin (upper body) skated on his own Saturday but missed his 11th straight game Sunday. The 39-year-old center, who has 29 points (eight goals, 21 assists) in 26 games, is week to week since being injured on Dec. 4.