The Pittsburgh Penguins stuck in the win column backed by a two-goal night from Evgeni Malkin.

PITTSBURGH – After a surprising win over the Carolina Hurricanes, the Pittsburgh Penguins opened up a home-and-home set with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Penguins looked to keep their playoff hopes alive and had momentum in their favor.

Not only did the Penguins take a big win on home ice a couple of nights ago, but they’ve defeated the Blue Jackets 14 consecutive times at PPG Paints Arena. A win would not only continue that winning streak but keep the Penguins’ slim playoff hopes alive.

First Period

Both teams brought their A-game through the early stages of the first period. Both the Penguins and Blue Jackets shared a few scoring chances, but the goalies stopped everything they saw.

Alex Nedeljkovic was getting his third straight start for the Penguins and was tested early, but came up with multiple huge saves. There was a brief moment when the Blue Jackets beat Nedeljkovic, but it was quickly called off for a high stick.

There was a good pace through the first period, but no goals to speak of. Nedeljkovic stopped all nine shots he faced from the Blue Jackets, while the Penguins picked up 10 shots through the first 20 minutes.

Second Period

The second period kicked off with much less pace than the first, but the Blue Jackets scored the game’s first goal. As a penalty to Sam Poulin ended, a shot bounced straight up above Nedeljkovic. Blue Jackets forward Mathieu Olivier swatted the puck out of the air and into the cage.

There was a lengthy review on the play, but officials determined the goal would stand to officially give the Blue Jackets a 1-0 lead.

The Penguins were given a power play opportunity nearing the period's midway point, and they capitalized immediately. Evgeni Malkin let go of a rifle of a slap shot, sealing his first power-play goal in 38 games.

However, the Blue Jackets had their own answer to regain the lead with a 3-on-1 chance that ended with a Cole Sillinger tally.

Despite being down by one and having one of the NHL’s worst power plays, the Penguins took advantage of another chance. More specifically, Malkin showed great patience to secure his second power-play goal of the night.

The Penguins vastly outshot the Jackets by 16-5 in the second, but it was a tie game heading into the second intermission.

Third Period

The Penguins jumped out to a quick lead to start the third period as Drew O'Connor labeled a perfect shot just over 30 seconds into the period. Sidney Crosby continued to inch closer to a point-per-game on the season with his second assist of the night.

The Blue Jackets shot clock remained pretty low as they only notched six heading into he final five minutes of regulation.

With time winding down, the Blue Jackets pulled their netminder for the extra attacker. The Penguins had their chances at the empty net, but couldn't find the put away goal. Crosby ended up taking a penalty with 30 seconds remaining to give the Blue Jackets a two-man advantage.

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