Penguins Gear Up for Critical Week with Malkin and Crosby’s Possible Return

As the Pittsburgh Penguins prepare for a pivotal week, the return of Evgeni Malkin—alongside the potential comeback of captain Sidney Crosby—could not come at a more crucial time. Malkin’s five-game suspension for slashing Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin hit the team hard, especially with Crosby already sidelined. Faced with a grueling schedule packed with playoff contenders, the Penguins needed to navigate this stretch with resilience.

Despite the daunting circumstances, the Penguins managed to hold their own during the absence of both stars, finishing with a record of 2-1-2 over those five games. Collectively, they earned six out of a possible 10 points, a performance that kept them afloat in the playoff race. With Crosby missing the last ten games, the team has posted a respectable 4-3-3 record, showcasing their ability to compete even when their best players are unavailable.

Reflecting on their situation prior to the suspension, the Penguins were three points ahead of the Columbus Blue Jackets and tied with the New York Islanders. Remarkably, they did not lose significant ground in the playoff standings during Malkin’s absence. The Ottawa Senators were the only team to gain more than one point on Pittsburgh, while the Islanders failed to close the gap. The Blue Jackets, Philadelphia Flyers, and Boston Bruins each gained just one point. In contrast, the Penguins gained a point on the Washington Capitals and three on the Detroit Red Wings, reinforcing their position.

The upcoming week presents both challenges and opportunities, starting with a daunting matchup against the Colorado Avalanche, currently the NHL’s top team. The Avalanche, bolstered by the addition of Nazem Kadri, boasts a star-studded lineup and has only suffered 12 regulation losses this season—five of which came at home. Securing even a single point in this contest would be a significant achievement for the Penguins.

Following the game against Colorado, the Penguins will head to Carolina to finish their five-game road trip. They’ll face the Hurricanes on the second half of a back-to-back, which could work in their favor. Historically, the Penguins have performed well against Carolina this season, previously earning three out of a possible four points. Their first encounter resulted in a decisive 5-1 victory in Pittsburgh, indicating that they can exploit the Hurricanes’ fatigue.

The team will then return home for a back-to-back weekend set against the Winnipeg Jets and another clash with the Hurricanes. While Winnipeg has struggled overall, they remain in the playoff hunt in the Western Conference, making them a formidable opponent as long as Connor Hellebuyck is between the pipes. This game could be one of the most winnable of the week, but the Penguins must remain vigilant.

As the Penguins gear up for these crucial games, they face a challenging stretch ahead. With the return of key players, they have the potential to improve their standing. However, they must be realistic about the competition, as several teams in the playoff race—like Columbus and Boston—are also facing tough schedules. The Penguins don’t need to outpace every team, just enough to secure their playoff position.

To reach the vital 97-point mark, eight more wins would be ideal. Securing two wins this week, or a combination of results that nets four or five points, would set them on a positive trajectory. With Malkin back and Crosby possibly joining him, the Penguins are poised to make a significant push as they head deeper into the season.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.