Penguins Report Card: Malkin Felt ‘Awesome,’ Jarry Silent Assassin in Win (+)

Evgeni Malkin scored two goals in his first game this season. The headlines, including our own, followed Malkin’s big moments in the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday night at the Honda Center.

But Malkin was only a piece of the puzzle.

Malkin’s linemate Jeff Carter scored a pair of goals, and Jake Guentzel extended his personal scoring streak to 18 games. The NHL doesn’t count Guentzel’s streak because he missed a few weeks due to an injury, but he has points in the last 18 games that he’s played.

“I feel awesome. It’s a long process for me. It’s the longest break in my life,” Malkin said. “I’m glad to be with the team. We win, score a couple of goals (and) I feel amazing right now.”

But the unheralded performance that changed the game was Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry who only made 25 saves, but eight were high-danger scoring chances, according to NaturalStatTrick.com.

Jarry made blocker saves with malice. He was confident, on his game, and he decided the game. We’ll get to Jarry below and more on Wednesday.

“There are a lot of plays most people maybe wouldn’t see, but he kept us in it the whole game. And that’s huge for momentum too– allowing us to maintain that lead,” John Marino said. “He made some unbelievable saves tonight.”

COVID also played a role in the Pittsburgh Penguins game, but it made for an entertaining 60 minutes.