Game Notes: Penguins vs. Ducks
As the Pittsburgh Penguins prepare to face off against the Anaheim Ducks, all eyes are on the team’s star players, particularly Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Both have been instrumental in the Penguins’ success, and their individual performances against the Ducks have been nothing short of impressive.
Sidney Crosby’s Dominance Against the Ducks
Sidney Crosby has consistently showcased his prowess against the Ducks, amassing multiple points in five of his last 16 encounters with them. Over this stretch, he has tallied an impressive 21 points, including 7 goals and 14 assists. When playing at home, Crosby’s performance has been even more remarkable, with 15 points (6G-9A) in just 11 career games against Anaheim. Notably, he has recorded points in all but two of those contests, highlighting his ability to shine on home ice.
Crosby is also on the cusp of a significant milestone. His next game-winning goal will place him in a six-way tie for 16th on the NHL’s all-time game-winning goals list, joining legends like Johnny Bucyk and Mark Messier, who each have 92 game-winners. This achievement would further cement Crosby’s legacy as one of the game’s greats.
Michael Bunting’s Recent Success
Another player to watch is Michael Bunting, who has made a mark in his career against the Ducks. With five points (2G-3A) in eight games against Anaheim, Bunting is currently riding a three-game point streak against them, contributing 1 goal and 2 assists during this stretch. His ability to find the scoresheet consistently adds depth to the Penguins’ offensive lineup.
Valtteri Puustinen’s Scoring Touch
Valtteri Puustinen is also making headlines, having scored on each of his last two shots on net dating back to April 17, 2024. This remarkable efficiency speaks to his scoring touch and could be a valuable asset for the Penguins as they look to capitalize on every scoring opportunity against the Ducks.
The Dynamic Duo: Crosby and Malkin
The Penguins have a stellar record of 389-90-47 when both Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin register a point in the same game. This statistic underscores the importance of their chemistry and combined offensive firepower. Malkin, in particular, has been a standout performer this season, leading the team with 14 points (3G-11A) in just 11 games. His ability to record multi-point games has been crucial, as he has achieved this feat five times already this season.
Malkin’s scoring prowess is evident, with 10 of his 14 points coming at even strength, placing him tied for seventh in the NHL in that category. His historical performance against the Ducks is also noteworthy; he has accumulated multiple points in five of his last seven games against them, totaling 29 points (11G-18A) in 23 career games. Malkin’s 1.26 points-per-game average against Anaheim ranks third among active players and fourth in NHL history for those with a minimum of 20 games played.
Erik Karlsson’s Contributions
Defenseman Erik Karlsson has also been a key player in matchups against the Ducks. With 25 points (9G-16A) in 32 career games against Anaheim, he ranks second among active defensemen for goals scored against them, trailing only Brent Burns. Notably, Karlsson has recorded a hat trick against the Ducks, showcasing his offensive capabilities from the blue line. He enters tonight’s game with an active six-game point streak against Anaheim, tied for the second-longest streak among active defensemen.
Crosby’s Milestones and Records
Crosby continues to etch his name into the NHL record books. In a recent game against Minnesota, he assisted on all three of Pittsburgh’s goals, marking his 64th career three-assist game. This achievement ties him for the sixth-most three-assist games in NHL history. Furthermore, Crosby’s three-assist night boosted his career assist total to 1,013, placing him just three assists shy of tying Hall-of-Famer Joe Sakic for the 13th most assists in NHL history.
Additionally, Crosby is two even-strength goals away from tying Luc Robitaille for the 13th-most even-strength goals in league history. His ongoing contributions, alongside Malkin, have solidified their status as one of the most effective forward-defenseman duos in the NHL, with 304 combined goals to date.
As the Penguins gear up for their matchup against the Ducks, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on Crosby, Malkin, and the rest of the team as they aim to extend their impressive records and continue their pursuit of victory.