DETROIT — Evgeni Malkin scored twice Saturday at Little Caesars Arena as he returned from his time in exile to help the Penguins beat the Detroit Red Wings, 7-2.
Saturday's victory put Pittsburgh two points ahead of Washington for third place in the Metropolitan Division. The Capitals, idle Saturday, have a game in hand.
Malkin rejoined the Pittsburgh lineup after missing the past four games due to a suspension, doled out after he cross-checked Nashville's Mark Borowiecki in the mouth on April 10. Malkin got a dozen days off during his ban. Mike Sullivan felt Malkin getting a little rest before the playoffs was a silver lining.