Penguins Stumble Against Golden Knights in Vegas

Without Crosby and Malkin, Pittsburgh falls 6-2 as turnovers prove costly

Mar. 13, 2026 at 1:29pm

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The Pittsburgh Penguins struggled mightily against the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday, falling 6-2 in a game that saw them commit several costly turnovers. With star players Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin still out of the lineup, the Penguins were no match for the Golden Knights, who jumped out to early leads of 2-0 and 3-1 in the second period. While the Penguins were able to cut the deficit to 3-2 with goals from Rickard Rakell and Ben Kindel, they were unable to complete the comeback as Vegas pulled away in the third period.

Why it matters

The Penguins' struggles without Crosby and Malkin highlight their reliance on the two superstars, who have been the backbone of the team for years. The team's sloppy play and inability to capitalize on scoring chances against a quality opponent like the Golden Knights raises concerns about their ability to compete at the highest level when their top players are unavailable.

The details

The Penguins' goaltender Arturs Silovs allowed five goals on the first 15 shots he faced, putting the team in an early hole. Three of Vegas' goals were the direct result of Penguins turnovers, an issue that has plagued the team in recent games. Defenseman Ryan Shea and forward Connor Dewar were among those who committed costly giveaways. The Penguins' fourth line was also on the ice for three goals against.

  • The Penguins are now 0-1-1 on their murderer's row road trip, having secured a point in Raleigh on Tuesday.
  • Crosby, still dealing with a lower-body injury, skated again on Thursday morning and appears very close to returning to the lineup.
  • Malkin served the fourth game of his five-game suspension and will be eligible to return to the lineup on Monday in Colorado.

The players

Sidney Crosby

The Penguins' captain, who is dealing with a lower-body injury that has kept him out of the lineup.

Evgeni Malkin

The Penguins' star center, who is serving a five-game suspension and will be eligible to return on Monday.

Arturs Silovs

The Penguins' goaltender, who allowed five goals on the first 15 shots he faced against the Golden Knights.

Rickard Rakell

The Penguins' forward, who scored a goal in the second period to cut the Golden Knights' lead to 3-2.

Ben Kindel

The Penguins' forward, who also scored a goal in the second period to cut the Golden Knights' lead to 3-2.

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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

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

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.