Overview
- Evgeni Malkin, in his first game after a five-game suspension for slashing, scored twice and added an assist during a four-goal first period.
- Pittsburgh matched its season high with seven goals on just 20 shots, with Erik Karlsson posting a goal and two assists to cap a 14-point, 10-game run as Sidney Crosby remained sidelined.
- Colorado pulled starter Scott Wedgewood 13 minutes in after three goals on five shots, then conceded a season-high-tying seven; Nathan MacKinnon registered his league-leading 45th goal.
- The victory put the Penguins two points ahead of the Islanders in second place in the Metro, while the Avalanche still lead Dallas by three points with a game in hand after losing three of four.
- Next up, Pittsburgh visits Carolina on Wednesday and Colorado hosts Dallas, with the Penguins also noting forward Blake Lizotte will be re-evaluated in four weeks.