The Difference One Player Makes

Evgeni Malkin's Return Sparks the Penguins to 2 Straight Wins

The recent return of Evgeni Malkin has done exactly what the Pens fan expected it to do. Sparked the Pittsburgh Penguins and has led them to 2 straight wins. The Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday defeat the Boston Bruins 6-5 in overtime. Pascal Dupius had the GW Goal and Evgeni Malkin made an instant impact with 3 assists. With all the criticism that the Pittsburgh Penguins have been receiving, it is not surprising the Evgeni Malkin was the spark that the Pittsburgh Penguins needed. The Penguins also got a win vs. Anaheim Ducks in Pittsburgh, 5-2. It is always unfortunate when NHL Players get injured, but one thing that can be said about the last 10 games is that the players who are considered the "Future" of the Franchise seem to be gaining skill and confidence from this early call up. This was proven so, whenever Dan Bylsma put Evgeni Malkin on the point of the powerplay along with young defensemen Ben Lovejoy, Deryk Engelland and Nate Guenin. This new found confidence in the Penguins defense allowed Dan Bylsma to take more chances on the powerplay and during even strength situations. And the most important thing about this game is, the Penguins are scoring again, and after 30 consecutive scoreless powerplays, Bill Guerin scored a powerplay with an assist from Sidney Crosby.

Up Next: Pittsburgh Penguins (14-7-0) at Ottawa Senators (9-6-3)

The next challenge for the Pittsburgh Penguins will to be go on the road where they are a dominant 7-3 this season. Pascal LeClaire will most likely be the starter in net for the Sens who lost to the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-1. Tyler Kennedy scored two goals in this game, along with a goal from Jordan Staal and Bill Guerin. Milan Michalek scored Ottawa's only goal. Look for the Penguins to win this game and begin a winning streak, 4-2.

Injury Update:
Defensemen Brooks Orpik, Kris Letang, Sergei Gonchar and Alex Goligoski are all expected to miss 2 more weeks. Alex Goligoski suffered a lower body injury and is expected to have a MRI sometime this week. Unfortunately, the Pittsburgh Penguins seemed to have also lost defensemen Jay McKee for 2-4 weeks with an infected finger. C/LW Maxime Talbot, who has missed 21 games this season after having shoulder surgery in the offseason, is probable for Thursday night's game at the Ottawa Senators. Thursday night's scratches are going to include RW Chris Kunitz and LW/C Tyler Kennedy.