Malkin’s Third Period Hat Trick Puts Penguins Ahead of Islanders
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Evgeni Malkin was the man of the night, grabbing a Hat Trick to boost the Pittsburgh Penguins over the New York Islanders. The Penguins held the lead for the whole game, but then let the Islanders recover in the third period, tying the game. However, two more goals by Malkin in the third period gave the Penguins the victory. Pittsburgh is now only two points behind the New Jersey Devils in the Atlantic Division.
Sidney Crosby nearly had a Hat Trick of his own, putting in two goals; however, even more impressive, was that Crosby managed to have a hand in all six of the Penguin’s goals. He is now ranked fourth in the NHL for points, only trailing the leader by four points.
16 shots were exchanged between the two teams in the opening period, but Crosby had the lone goal in the final minute and a half of the period. Nearly four minutes into the second period, Malkin put in his first goal of the game during a Power Play. The Islanders had a Penalty Shot opportunity less than a minute later, but Brent Johnson managed to keep New York scoreless. In the seventh minute of the second period, Bill Guerin gave the Penguins another Power Play goal, assisted by Crosby.
A little over the half way point of the game, New York finally got themselves on the board; however, only about a minute and a half later, Crosby made it a three goal difference, again, with his second goal of the game. The Islanders, feeling the sting, put in a second goal less than a minute later. The second period would end 4-2.
Only 48 seconds into the third period, the Islanders got a third goal, and then managed to tie the game up in the seventh minute. A rally like this can be very disheartening, but Pittsburgh refused to let it get them down. During the 11th minute, Malkin had his second goal, off another Power Play, to give Pittsburgh the lead again. With the game drawing to a close, New York pulled their goalie for the extra man, but it only resulted in Malkin getting his Hat Trick.
Marc Andre Fleury is still out, due to his injured finger, but Johnson did a great job taking his place. Johnson, who has recently recovered from a lower body injury, had 31 saves and only gave up four goals. He is now 6-4 this season.
The Penguins next game will be a big one against the Washington Capitals. This will be the first time the two teams have met up since Pittsburgh knocked them out of the playoffs last season, and the first of four match ups this season. The game will take place Thursday, January 21, at 7:30 P.M. ET.
 Sidney Crosby Premier Black Jersey |
 Customized Black Premier w/ Authentic Lettering |
 Evgeni Malkin Premier Black Jersey |