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Penguins/avalanche Recap: Malkin Scores Twice, Pens Shock Colorado In 7-2 Win

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DENVER, COLORADO - MARCH 16: Kris Letang #58, Evgeni Malkin #71, Egor Chinakhov #59 and Thomas Novak #18 of the Pittsburgh Penguins celebrate after a goal against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena on March 16, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images

Apologies in advance, a power outage has put a damper on the night at Pensburgh HQ but nothing could slow the Penguins on this night. Pittsburgh went into the NHL’s best team’s barn and took a monster 7-2 win.

There were a couple changes in the lineup; Evgeni Malkin returned from suspension, as expected. Less expected was Justin Brazeau’s quick return from injury, helping to spell for Blake Lizotte leaving the lineup for this game due to an injury of his own.

Here's a look at the lines tonight in Colorado ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/fXOt4MgtfA

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) March 17, 2026

Game 6️⃣6️⃣ pic.twitter.com/1vZlcDADuj

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) March 17, 2026

MALKAMANIA IN THE MILE HIGH CITY ???? pic.twitter.com/qeNx8zakYO

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) March 17, 2026

That's 26 this season for Mo ???? pic.twitter.com/qK3ODHii2r

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) March 17, 2026

HE IS HIM. pic.twitter.com/ZjUl4H4O3S

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) March 17, 2026

Soda.
Elmo.
Glue guy.

Elmer Soderblom nets his first as a Penguin! ???? pic.twitter.com/oQlQfZghsR

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) March 17, 2026

KARL ON ????

He has 14 points (3G-11A) in his last ten games. pic.twitter.com/2jKL96a3ys

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) March 17, 2026

THE RUSTY RAZOR ON THE POWER PLAY ????

Enjoy half-off Rusty's shakes at the @MShakeFactory tomorrow! pic.twitter.com/8P5Rv8yOzi

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) March 17, 2026

https://x.com/penguins/status/2033757253736468767?s=46&t=F9heTkWtNC7aYX_AqwPvxA

It was a classic Evgeni Malkin night, as only he could do it. Malkin took an offensive zone penalty on his first shift, only to score that beauty with a spinning backhander almost immediately after getting out of the penalty box. That set the tone for the game, even though Nathan MacKinnon quickly answered that first goal, the Pens sprung Anthony Mantha for his breakaway goal as a response to the response. From there, the Pens were off to the races, scoring early and often within the first couple of periods. We’ll have much more tomorrow in response to a massive statement game for Pittsburgh. They’re up to 2-1-1 during a very daunting and challenging road trip, playing as dangerous as ever, and all without Sidney Crosby.