Evgeni Malkin returned from suspension, scored two goals, and helped the Penguins beat the Avalanche 7-2.

Evgeni Malkin returned from a five-game suspension and scored two goals in the first period, leading the Pittsburgh Penguins to a 7-2 victory over the Colorado Avalanche in Denver. The Penguins, who scored seven goals—their season high—were powered by Malkin’s two goals and an assist, along with Erik Karlsson’s goal and two assists. Pittsburgh built a 4-1 lead by the end of the first period, with Arturs Silovs making 15 of his 25 saves in that frame. Nathan MacKinnon and Brent Burns scored for Colorado, which dropped its second straight game and missed a chance to extend its lead in the Central Division. The win moved Pittsburgh two points ahead of the New York Islanders for second place in the Metropolitan Division.