The Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Colorado Avalanche 7-2 last night in Denver. Evgeni Malkin returned from an NHL suspension, and scored twice in the Penguins four-goal first period of the game. Erik Karlsson had a goal and two assists. Arturs Silovs stopped 25 of 27 shots from the NHL’s best team this season. The Penguins scored once on three power plays, and held the Avalanche scoreless on their four power plays.
The victory was the Penguins second straight. They complete their five-game road trip Wednesday in Carolina.
The Pens are now in sole possession of second place in the Metropolitan Division with 15 games remaining in their regular season. They are two points in front of the New York Islanders and four points in front of Columbus.