Malkin Scores Twice in Return from Suspension, Penguins Rout Avalanche 7-2

Evgeni Malkin sparks Pittsburgh to victory with two goals and an assist in his first game back from a five-game ban.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 5:07am

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Evgeni Malkin scored twice and added an assist in his return from a five-game suspension, leading the Pittsburgh Penguins to a decisive 7-2 win over the league-leading Colorado Avalanche. The 39-year-old Malkin was suspended for a slashing incident earlier this month but came back strong, igniting a four-goal first period for the Penguins.

Why it matters

Malkin's return is a major boost for the Penguins, who have been without star center Sidney Crosby due to injury. The win moves Pittsburgh two points ahead of the New York Islanders for second place in the Metropolitan Division, keeping them firmly in playoff position.

The details

Malkin's punishment from the NHL was for raising his stick and striking Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin during their game on March 5. In his return, Malkin scored twice in the first period as the Penguins built a 4-1 lead. Anthony Mantha, Elmer Soderblom, Erik Karlsson, and Bryan Rust also scored for Pittsburgh, who matched their season high for goals on just 20 shots. Karlsson added two assists for the Penguins.

  • Malkin was suspended for five games on March 5.
  • The Penguins-Avalanche game took place on Monday, March 17, 2026.

The players

Evgeni Malkin

A 39-year-old forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins who was returning from a five-game suspension for a slashing incident.

Sidney Crosby

The Penguins' leading scorer who has been out with a lower-body injury sustained while playing for Canada in the Winter Olympics.

Rasmus Dahlin

A defenseman for the Buffalo Sabres who was struck by Malkin's stick, leading to Malkin's suspension.

Nathan MacKinnon

A forward for the Colorado Avalanche who scored one of their two goals in the loss.

Brent Burns

A defenseman for the Colorado Avalanche who also scored in the game.

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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

What’s next

The Penguins play at Carolina on Wednesday, while the Avalanche host the Dallas Stars on the same day.

The takeaway

Malkin's return from suspension provided a much-needed spark for the Penguins, who are jockeying for playoff position without their star center Crosby. The decisive win over the league-leading Avalanche shows Pittsburgh's depth and resilience as they push towards the postseason.