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Tampa Bay’s Malone sits out Sunday’s game

Tampa Bay Lightning v Montreal Canadiens

MONTREAL, CANADA - APRIL 4: Ryan Malone #12 of the Tampa Bay Lightning reacts after crashing the net during the NHL game against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on April 4, 2012 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Canadiens defeated the Lightning 5-2. (Photo by Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images)

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The Tampa Bay Lightning must attempt to break their three-game losing streak without rugged forward Ryan Malone.

The 33-year-old forward will miss at least Sunday’s game against the New York Rangers, according to Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune. Malone is currently considered day-to-day with that vague issue.

Malone has four goals and one assist plus eight penalty minutes in 10 games so far. He carries a $4.5 million cap hit that will expire after the 2014-15 season.

Pierre-Cedric Labrie, 26, is set to move into the lineup in Malone’s absence. He’ll bring an extra level of toughness without Malone’s offensive skills. On the bright side, his nickname is “Nacho Labrie” in reference to the Jack Black movie, so that’s kind of fun.

Tampa Bay leads the NHL with 42 goals scored, but the Bolts have only found the net five times during their three-game skid.