After losing their last two games, the Pittsburgh Penguins crushed the Detroit Red Wings 11-2. 

Pittsburgh’s offense was dominant in the win as they scored a season-high 11 goals. Stars Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby both had a great game as Malkin had four points while Crosby finished with three. Three of Malkin’s four points were goals as he recorded a hat trick. This was Malkin’s 13th hat trick of his career.

Kasperi Kapanen continued to head in the right direction as he scored a goal in the win. This was Kapanen’s second goal in his last five games after not scoring for almost two months. 

Newly acquired forward Rickard Rakell picked up his first point as a Pen by assisting one of Malkin’s goals. Rakell then went on to add another assist and his first goal as a Penguin. 

Pittsburgh goalie Tristan Jarry had a solid performance as well as he saved 33 of the 35 shots he faced.

Distribution among goalscorers is going to be a key to the Penguins‘ success as they enter the homestretch of the season. Teddy Blueger, Jeff Carter and Kasperi Kapanen all scored despite being amongst the bottom six forwards. Pittsburgh could make a serious run in the playoffs if the bottom lines can continue to perform.

After losing 5-1 to the New York Rangers, Pittsburgh needed to bounce back. The Penguins did exactly that as they dominated every facet of the game. Pittsburgh will need to continue to put up performances like this one if they want to hold on to the second place spot in the Metropolitan division. The Penguins sit just one point ahead of the New York Rangers even though they’ve played one more game.

The Penguins will look to redeem themselves on Tuesday as they take on the Rangers for the second time in four days.