Penguins roll — Avalanche routed
The Pittsburgh Penguins hammered the Colorado Avalanche 7–2 in a lopsided result that jumped off recent NHL box scores and standings chatter. The result is one of several volatile late‑season outcomes as playoff positioning tightens. (x.com) (x.com)
Evgeni Malkin returned from a five‑game suspension for slashing and finished with two goals and an assist in Monday’s matchup. (espn.com) Scott Wedgewood, the Avalanche starter, was pulled 13 minutes into the game after allowing three goals on five shots; Mackenzie Blackwood came on and made 11 saves in relief. (espn.com) Defenseman Erik Karlsson posted a goal and two assists, giving him three points on the night and extending a hot stretch he’s been riding since the Olympic break. (espn.com) Secondary contributions included Anthony Mantha’s 26th goal of the season, Bryan Rust’s power‑play tally (his 25th), and Noel Acciari adding his ninth goal. (espn.com) Pittsburgh played without Sidney Crosby (lower‑body injury) and, with the result, moved into sole possession of second place in the Metropolitan Division. (post-gazette.com) Colorado, meanwhile, has lost three of four games but still led the Central Division and the NHL standings by three points over Dallas with one game in hand entering Tuesday. (espn.com) The game was played at Ball Arena in Denver with an announced attendance of 18,121, and Pittsburgh limited Colorado to just 10 shots across the second and third periods. (espn.com)
