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Veteran returns spark mixed Penguins results this week

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DENVER — Evgeni Malkin scored twice and added an assist in his return from a five-game suspension, leading the Pittsburgh Penguins to a 7-2 victory over the Colorado Avalanche on Monday. The suspension stemmed from a March 5 slashing incident involving Rasmus Dahlin. Later this week in Raleigh, Sidney Crosby returned from an 11-game Olympic-related lower-body injury, recording a goal and an assist, but Pittsburgh lost 6-5 in overtime to the Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday. Team and league reports provided game statistics, player statuses, and official injury and disciplinary details. and verified by outlets. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

Feb 18, 2026: Sidney Crosby sustained a lower-body injury during Team Canada's Olympic quarterfinal against Czechia.
Mar 5, 2026: Evgeni Malkin struck Rasmus Dahlin in a game, an incident that prompted league discipline.
Early March 2026: The NHL issued a five-game suspension to Evgeni Malkin related to the March 5 incident.
Monday (week of coverage): Malkin returned from suspension and Pittsburgh defeated Colorado 7-2 in Denver.
Wednesday (same week): Sidney Crosby returned after an 11-game absence but Pittsburgh lost 6-5 in overtime to Carolina.

Why This Matters to You

If you're a Penguins fan, the return of Malkin and Crosby is big news. Malkin's scoring prowess was on full display in Denver, while Crosby's return, despite the loss, shows promise. Keep an eye on their performance in upcoming games.

The Bottom Line

The Penguins' mixed results this week highlight the impact of key players. While suspensions and injuries can disrupt a team's rhythm, the return of star players can reignite it. Worth forwarding if you know a Penguins fan who's been missing Malkin and Crosby.