Malkin shows signs of a breakout
For a long time Sunday, it looked as if the Penguins were going to make history. They led the New York Rangers, 4-3, nearly 7½ minutes into the third period with all of their goals coming from defensemen. They hadn’t won a game this season without getting at least one goal from a forward.
Evgeni Malkin ruined the storyline, but no one inside PPG Paints Arena or watching on NBC complained. His two goals in a 2½minute span led to a much-needed 65 win for the home team. The second of the two was spectacular, a blind, back-handed shot after a spin move around Rangers forward Kevin Hayes that left goaltender Alexandar Georgiev with no chance.
“I was like, ‘Whew! That was crazy,’ “said Zach Aston-Reese, who had the primary assist on that Malkin goal. “Kind of speechless, it left me. I’m pretty pumped. When NHL Network is playing the top 100 goals of the season, I’ll be in the highlight reel now.”
Malkin’s production was significant for a couple of reasons. The goals were just his fourth and fifth of the season at even-strength on home ice. Think about that for a second. Is that hard to believe or what? Riley Sheahan had four such goals and Derick Brassard seven before they were traded. The lack of 5-on-5 goals is a big reason Malkin is a teamworst minus-19. But maybe his disappointing season is taking a positive turn. The goals gave him four in two games over the weekend. To say he bounced back in a big way from
his one-game suspension for his stick-swinging incident against Philadelphia Monday night would be an understatement.
“He’s such a dominant player when he’s on top of his game,” coach Mike Sullivan said. “He’s so impactful. It can’t help but make your bench six inches taller …
“We’re really encouraged where Geno’s game is trending. He’s had a couple of real strong games here. He tends to be a guy that he builds confidence when he scores. I think that bodes well for us and for him. I’ve said on a number of occasions that he’s one of those guys who can change the outcome of a game in a few shifts. You could see it in the third period tonight.”
Now if the Penguins can just get a few other wingers going …
Tanner Pearson, Patric Hornqvist and certainly Phil Kessel have the ability to make the Penguins bench grow by feet, not just inches.
Pearson was a healthy scratch for the second game in a row after getting just one goal in 13 games. The Penguins gave up a lot to get him — Carl Hagelin. He is a minus14. The team needs to get a lot more from him.
Hornqvist failed to get a point for the 12th game in a row since coming back from his latest concussion. He’s a big reason the power play struggled — 1 for 21 in 10 games – before breaking out with three goals in the 5-4 loss to Calgary Saturday and another goal against the Rangers. It’s pretty clear Sullivan wasn’t pleased with Hornqvist’s game. He gave him just 9:10 of ice time Monday night.
Kessel didn’t get a goal for the ninth consecutive game Sunday, although he did have two assists, including a beauty on Malkin’s first goal. He’s another reason the power play has faltered. He’s also a minus-16.
Maybe some line adjustments by Sullivan will get Kessel and Hornqvist going. Sullivan replaced Nick Bjugstad on the Malkin-Kessel line with Aston-Reese, who also had an assist on Malkin’s first goal. It’s fair to think Sullivan will go with that group again Tuesday night against New Jersey. It enables Kessel to play on right wing, his preferred side.
“I think that’s nice anytime you can stay on your own side,” Aston-Reese said. “It’s a bit easier. Phil kind of has that signature shot coming down his strong side.
“The thing is, I like to work hard defensively. It’s definitely nice to balance out those two. They’re a little more offensive-minded.
“It’s only half a game. I’m not sure how much trust is there. Anywhere I’m in the lineup is a good spot for me. But to be able to play with those two would be nice.”
Sullivan was pleased with the line Sunday.
“I thought they had a real good third period. We think Zach is playing extremely well.”
Bjugstad dropped down to center the third line between Jared McCann and Hornqvist. Sullivan said he likes the versatility that Bjugstad and McCann provide by being able to play center or wing.
“The more players we have on our bench playing well, it helps us get the swagger that we need to be at our best. When our best players are playing well, then that helps that much more.”
It was nice that defensemen Kris Letang, Marcus Pettersson, Brian Dumoulin and Letang again scored goals against the Rangers. It was the first time that happened for the Penguins in a regular-season game since December 1990, according to team historian Bob Grove.
It will be a lot better if Pearson, Hornqvist and Kessel follow Malkin’s lead and pick up their game.