Penguins Rout Avalanche 7-2 With Malkin's Return

Evgeni Malkin scores twice in first period to lead Pittsburgh to victory over Colorado

Mar. 17, 2026 at 10:10am

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Evgeni Malkin returned from a five-game suspension and scored two goals in the first period to spark the Pittsburgh Penguins to a 7-2 rout of the Colorado Avalanche in Denver on Monday night. Erik Karlsson, Bryan Rust, Noel Acciari, and Elmer Soderblom also scored for the Penguins, who moved two points ahead of the New York Islanders for second place in the Metropolitan Division. Nathan MacKinnon and Brent Burns scored for the Avalanche, who dropped their second straight game.

Why it matters

Malkin's return from suspension provided a much-needed boost for the Penguins, who are jockeying for playoff position in the tight Metropolitan Division race. The lopsided loss was a setback for the Avalanche, who missed an opportunity to extend their lead over the Dallas Stars in the Central Division.

The details

Malkin scored twice in the first period to give the Penguins an early 3-1 lead. The Avalanche pulled starting goaltender Scott Wedgewood after he allowed 3 goals on 5 shots, but the Penguins continued to pour it on, eventually building a 6-2 lead by the end of the second period. Arturs Silovs made 25 saves for the Penguins, while the Avalanche used both Wedgewood and Mackenzie Blackwood in net.

  • Malkin scored the opening goal at 3:01 of the first period.
  • MacKinnon tied the game at 4:08 of the first period.
  • Malkin scored again to make it 3-1 at the 13-minute mark of the first period.
  • Karlsson scored at 10:36 of the second period to make it 5-2 Penguins.
  • Acciari scored midway through the third period for the Penguins' seventh goal.

The players

Evgeni Malkin

A star center for the Pittsburgh Penguins who scored two goals and added an assist in his return from a five-game suspension.

Nathan MacKinnon

The star center for the Colorado Avalanche who scored his NHL-leading 45th goal of the season.

Arturs Silovs

The goaltender for the Pittsburgh Penguins who made 25 saves in the victory.

Scott Wedgewood

The starting goaltender for the Colorado Avalanche who was pulled after allowing 3 goals on 5 shots.

Mackenzie Blackwood

The relief goaltender for the Colorado Avalanche who made 12 saves after replacing Wedgewood.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

Malkin's return from suspension provided a much-needed spark for the Penguins, who were able to take advantage of a struggling Avalanche team and pick up a crucial two points in the tight Metropolitan Division race. The lopsided loss was a setback for the Avalanche, who missed an opportunity to extend their lead in the Central Division.