Evgeni Malkin returned to the Pittsburgh Penguins lineup for the first time since being suspended five games for slashing earlier this month and he made his presence known early and often in a 7-2 Penguins victory over the NHL leading Colorado Avalanche. Malkin was hardly the only Penguins player to show out in a big way last night with six others recording multipoint games, including defenseman Erik Karlsson who was noticeable every time he stepped on the ice himself. In goal, Artur Silovs fended
off 25 from the Avalanche, holding the NHL’s highest scoring offense to just two first period goals. [Pensburgh]
Pens Points…
It’s another big time week for the Penguins with the end of this long five-game road trip in sight then a return home for a weekend back-to-back set that will kick off a stretch of five of the next seven games being at PPG Paints Arena to wrap up the month of March. [Pensburgh]
Despite the Penguins being without Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, they have kept their heads above water in their absence and the standings have tightened little, if at all depending on the opponent. With 16 games left to be played, the Penguins remains in good position to make a postseason return. [Pensburgh]
Jack St. Ivany has completed his conditioning stint in the AHL with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and has been recalled to the NHL. In a corresponding move, fellow defenseman Alexander Alexeyev was sent back down to the Baby Pens to make room on the roster. [The Hockey News]
When Ben Kindel was drafted back in June, most figured he was a couple years away from being an impact player in the NHL. Then he impressed enough to earn a roster spot to open the season, but most figured it was only for nine game. Now almost through a complete season, Kindel remains in Pittsburgh, learning at a rapid rate. [Trib Live]
NHL News and Notes…
It’s official, the World Cup of Hockey will make it’s return in February 2028 with an eight team best-on-best tournament to be hosted in Edmonton and Calgary along with games being played in Prague, Czechia. This will be the first World Cup of Hockey since 2016 when Canada claimed the crown. [NHL]
It was a big week for Alexis Lafreniere of the New York Rangers and he takes home First Star of the Week honors from the NHL for his efforts. Joining Lafreniere being recognized for their play over the last week was goaltender Jake Oettinger and forward Jimmy Snuggerud. [NHL]
