In a milestone-filled night, Evgeni Malkin scored his 500th career goal and Sidney Crosby reached 1,600 career points, capping it with an overtime winner as the Pittsburgh Penguins edged the Buffalo Sabres 6-5. Other action saw the Toronto Maple Leafs dominate the Los Angeles Kings, the Boston Bruins hand the Colorado Avalanche their fourth straight loss, and Anaheim win a thriller in overtime against the Utah Hockey Club.
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Penguins 6, Sabres 5 (OT)
Malkin and Crosby Hit Milestones in Penguins’ Victory
It was a historic night for the Pittsburgh Penguins as Evgeni Malkin netted his 500th career goal, becoming only the third player in franchise history to reach that mark, joining Mario Lemieux and Sidney Crosby. Crosby also hit a milestone, becoming the 10th player in NHL history to reach 1,600 career points, capping it with the overtime winner.
Malkin, who added three assists, continued his hot streak, bringing his NHL-leading assist total to nine. Crosby had one goal and two assists, while Drew O’Connor, Bryan Rust, Jesse Puljujarvi, and Rickard Rakell each found the back of the net. Joel Blomqvist made 26 saves in relief of starter Triston Jarry.
The Buffalo Sabres were powered by JJ Peterka, who scored twice in his return from a concussion, with Tage Thompson, Jordan Greenway, and Ryan McLeod each adding goals. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 37 saves in a valiant effort for Buffalo.
Maple Leafs 6, Kings 2
Toronto Dominates Behind McMann’s Early Goals
Bobby McMann scored twice in the first period as the Toronto Maple Leafs cruised to a 6-2 victory over the Los Angeles Kings. Auston Matthews continued his strong form, adding a goal and two assists, while William Nylander, Morgan Rielly, and John Tavares also chipped in with goals. Mitch Marner had three assists as the Leafs extended their winning streak to three games.
The Kings, who are on a seven-game road trip, got goals from Alex Turcotte and Kevin Fiala. Goaltender David Rittich struggled, allowing four goals on 14 shots before being replaced by Pheonix Copley in the second period.
Bruins 5, Avalanche 3
Pastrnak and Lindholm Lead Bruins Over Winless Avalanche
David Pastrnak and Hampus Lindholm scored 13 seconds apart in the second period as the Boston Bruins handed the Colorado Avalanche their fourth consecutive loss. Pastrnak and Lindholm were key contributors, with Lindholm adding an assist and Cole Koepke, Charlie Coyle, and John Beecher also scoring for Boston.
Despite strong performances from Cale Makar and Mikko Rantanen, who each recorded a goal and two assists, the Avalanche couldn’t overcome their defensive struggles. Ross Colton added a goal for Colorado, while Nathan MacKinnon had two assists.
Ducks 5, Utah 4 (OT)
Carlsson’s OT Winner Lifts Anaheim Over Utah
Leo Carlsson scored just 54 seconds into overtime to give the Anaheim Ducks a thrilling 5-4 victory over the Utah Hockey Club in the Ducks’ home opener. Pavel Mintyukov notched two goals for Anaheim, recording the first multigoal game of his career, while Troy Terry and Robby Fabbri also scored.
The Utah Hockey Club, who were wrapping up a four-game road trip, saw contributions from Michael Kesselring and Jack McBain, each of whom recorded a goal and an assist. Barrett Hayton and Nick Schmaltz added points for Utah, but Connor Ingram’s 29 saves couldn’t stop Carlsson’s overtime heroics.
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Postgame Reactions and Key Takeaways
Evgeni Malkin on His 500th Goal
“It’s a special moment. To do it here in Pittsburgh, with these fans and with this team, it means a lot to me. I’m grateful for all my teammates and the support over the years.”
Sidney Crosby on Reaching 1,600 Points
“Milestones like this are only possible because of the great teams I’ve been a part of. I’m happy to contribute, but it’s always about getting the win.”
Leo Carlsson on His OT Winner
“I saw an opportunity and took it. It’s amazing to get the winner in front of our home crowd and to see how we’re starting to come together as a team.”
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Looking Ahead
Buffalo Sabres: The Sabres will seek to bounce back as they take on the Ottawa Senators.
Pittsburgh Penguins: The Penguins will look to build on their momentum as they head into a divisional matchup against the New Jersey Devils.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Toronto aims to extend their winning streak as they face the New York Rangers in their next game.
Anaheim Ducks: After an emotional home opener, the Ducks will continue their campaign with renewed energy, hosting the San Jose Sharks next.
