Penguins Beat Avalanche 7-2; Malkin Scores Twice in Return

DENVER — Evgeni Malkin scored twice during a dominant four-goal first period and added an assist upon returning from a five-game suspension, leading the Pittsburgh Penguins to a 7-2 victory over the NHL-leading Colorado Avalanche on Monday night at Ball Arena.

Malkin, a 39-year-old center, had been sidelined for raising his stick and striking Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin on the helmet and shoulder during a game on March 5. This marked the third suspension of his career. His timely return ignited Pittsburgh's offense, which matched a season-high seven goals on just 20 shots. The Penguins also received goals from Anthony Mantha, Elmer Soderblom, Erik Karlsson, Bryan Rust and Noel Acciari.

The game marked Pittsburgh's 11th consecutive outing without star center Sidney Crosby, the team's leading scorer with 59 points in 56 games this season. Crosby sustained a lower-body injury, later identified as a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his right knee, while playing for Canada in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Winter Olympics last month. He traveled with the Penguins on their ongoing five-game road trip and participated in practices, but remained sidelined as a game-time decision that...