Evgeni Malkin returns as Penguins win sixth straight

Evgeni Malkin returned from a shoulder absence and scored as the Pittsburgh Penguins beat the New Jersey Devils 4-1, extending their winning streak to six games; goalie Stuart Skinner stopped 28 of 29 shots.

Evgeni Malkin returned to the Pittsburgh lineup and scored as the Penguins beat the New Jersey Devils 4-1 at PPG Paints Arena. Stuart Skinner made 28 saves and was strong in his third straight notable start. The Penguins led 3-0 through two periods and extended their streak to six wins. The club sits near the top wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference with several upcoming games that will affect the standings. Game details: - Final score 4-1; Pittsburgh scorers were Evgeni Malkin, Erik Karlsson, Connor Dewar and Blake Lizotte. - Stuart Skinner stopped 28 of 29 shots and has allowed three goals over his past three starts. - Pittsburgh led 3-0 through two periods; Connor Dewar scored on a breakaway after exiting the penalty box and later helped create the insurance goal by Lizotte. - Malkin played his first game since Dec. 4, acknowledged a shoulder injury from that game, was credited with five giveaways early, and scored on a power-play one-timer with 53 seconds left in the second period. - Sidney Crosby recorded two assists and is noted as having 25 assists and 24 goals on the season. - The Devils struggled in the game after a heavy loss two nights earlier, and Jack Hughes was reported as not looking fully comfortable handling the puck. Summary: The win extended Pittsburgh's streak to six games and moved the team closer in the Eastern Conference standings. Upcoming games include a 3 p.m. Saturday home matinee against the Calgary Flames and a Sunday visit to Boston to play the Bruins. The team improved execution after a slow opening period and several players delivered notable performances.