Malkin Erupts in Penguins' Avalanche Rout

Evgeni Malkin wastes no time shaking off rust from his five-game suspension, lighting the lamp twice in the first period against the NHL's top team at Ball Arena. Penguins fans hold their breath as he climbs the all-time scoring list while the bench erupts behind coach Dan Muse's knowing grin. With Sidney Crosby still sidelined, Malkin's beast-mode return fuels a statement win that keeps Pittsburgh's fading playoff hopes flickering amid a brutal schedule.