Evgeni Malkin had three goals and an assist in his return from an illness, and the Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Detroit Red Wings 11-2 at PPG Paints Arena on Sunday.
It was the center’s 13th NHL hat trick and first since Jan. 30, 2018. Malkin was a game-time decision after missing a 5-1 loss to the New York Rangers on Friday with an illness unrelated to COVID-19.
“I think he’s getting better with each game he plays,” Pittsburgh coach Mike Sullivan said. “When he’s at his best, he’s one of the few players that can take a game over. We’re fortunate. We have a couple of them on our team. … He’s a generational talent.”