Evgeni Malkin scored three points for the third consecutive game, and the Penguins defeated the Blue Jackets at home on Sunday. The score was 5-3, and Malkin scored two of the goals and added an assist to lead Pittsburgh to their fourth straight win after a loss in Columbus on Feb. 19th. rnrnThe Pens’ power-play put up three goals in the second period alone to take control of the game. It was tied heading into the period, but a 5-3 power-play goal by David Perron, who hadn’t scored in nine games, put the Penguins up 2-1. Malkin would add his second with assists from Kris Letang, who leads all defenseman in scoring, and Sidney Crosby. Rookie David Perron made the score 4-1 with three minutes left in the period with his second goal of the season and his career. He put in a Patric Hornqvist rebound to give the Pens a commanding lead.rnrnA goal by Steve Downie, chosen instead of Craig Adams, made the score 5-1 18 seconds into the third period. A shorthanded goal by Ryan Johanson gave Columbus hope, but by the time Nick Foligno scored a goal with a minute left, the Penguins had the game won.rnrnMalkin has now scored a backhand goal in each of the last three games, perhaps in part thanks to him using a borrowed stick from Pouliot. The stick, which has a straighter blade, was used by Malkin in St. Louis, and he hasn’t stopped using it since.rnrnNew acquisition Daniel Winnik got an assist on the Downie goal for his first point as a Penguin. The former Toronto Maple Leaf was the third star of the game. rnrnPittsburgh goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury played another stellar game. He made save-after-save for the Penguins, and kept them in the game. He made 22 saves.rnrnPens’ defenseman Simon Depres sustained an injury in the third period on a boarding penalty by Columbus Blue Jackets forward Corey Tropp. Tropp drew a major penalty and game misconduct. rnrnIt was another solid win for the Penguins. Heading into the final quarter of the season, the Penguins will need to continue to string these wins together in order to earn a good seed in the Eastern Conference. rnrnThe Penguins (36-17-9) will go on a road trip in the coming games. They will be in Colorado on Wednesday, and follow that up with games in Anaheim, Los Angeles, and San Jose.
Pens look like they are beginning to jive at right time