Blackhawks at Penguins
THE STORY: Evgeni Malkin has done his best to compensate for the loss of Sidney Crosby. The former Art Ross and Conn Smythe winner has collected six goals and six assists during a five-game point streak. The stretch coincides with Crosby returning to the press box because of a recurrence of concussion-like symptoms. Malkin recorded his seventh career hat trick in an 8-3 triumph over the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday and was named the NHL's third star of the week. "I’m not thinking about my points,” Malkin said. "I'm just starting to find my level and am trying to play better every game." Teammate Matt Cooke has noticed that Malkin has been more focused in recent games. "He's the guy right now. He can't look anywhere else," Cooke said. "It's got to be on him, and he knows that. He understands that, and he's playing very well." Malkin will look to keep surging ahead when Ray Emery and the streaking Chicago Blackhawks visit Tuesday. The Blackhawks have won a season-best five in a row and improved to 9-1-1 in their last 11 to take over the NHL's points lead. They can thank Emery for their recent surge, who has been in net for every contest during their streak. Emery has fared well versus Pittsburgh, posting an 8-4-2 career mark.
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, Versus, TSN2
ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS (21-8-4): Although Chicago skated away with a 4-2 victory over the Calgary Flames on Sunday, it wasn't without issue. Defenseman Brent Seabrook exited the contest in the first period after being blasted into the glass by former Blackhawk Rene Bourque. On Monday, Bourque was suspended two games by the NHL for the hit. Left wing Patrick Sharp is riding a career nine-game point streak, collecting seven goals and six assists in that span.
ABOUT THE PENGUINS (18-11-4): Although Malkin has been hot, it hasn't translated into wins. The Penguins have won only twice in the five games Crosby has missed. Left wing James Neal extended his point streak to five with a goal and an assist against Buffalo. Goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury recorded his 200th career win in relatively easy fashion, thanks to the offensive onslaught. He has posted a 3-1-2 career mark with one shutout versus the Blackhawks.
OVERTIME:
1. Chicago's Joel Quenneville on Sunday became the 10th coach in NHL history to win 600 games. At 600-364-150, Quenneville became the second fastest to reach the milestone - only current Blackhawks senior adviser Scotty Bowman did so at a quicker pace (1,002 games).
2. Pittsburgh defenseman Ben Lovejoy returned to practice Monday. Currently nursing a wrist injury, Lovejoy is on target to return after two weeks of being sidelined.