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Penguins Scrimmage Highlights, Crosby Starts the Playoff Beard

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Pittsburgh Penguins Sidney Crosby

Pittsburgh Penguins training camp begins on Monday and it looks like the Penguins players are ready for the official work to begin. As part of their Phase 2 workouts on Friday at the UPMC Lemieux Complex, it appears the Penguins engaged in scrimmage work and Evgeni Malkin enjoyed a little celly.

Phase 2 workouts are limited to 12 players on the ice in one session, which is why the released footage took place on one end of the rink. Because of the unprecedented circumstances, we’ll have to use AT&T Sportsnet footage

Malkin had a torrid season in which he fulfilled his mission to erase a disappointing 2018-19 season. Malkin carried the Penguins offense for several months while captain Sidney Crosby recovered from core muscle surgery. Through November and December, Malkin was connected to 40% of the Penguins offense.

This season, Malkin scored 58 points including 25 goals in 55 games. He also scored 21 goals when Penguins coaches placed Jake Guentzel on his left-wing.

Once Crosby returned, the Penguins offense struggled in the transition to deal with a healthy, balanced lineup. The Penguins lost eight of their last 11 games before the Coronavirus pause.

Crosby also scored more than a point per game this season, with 47 points (16g, 31a) in just 41 games. In the released video, you can see Crosby beginning growing a playoff beard. What a difference the last decade has made, as Crosby’s beard appears to be filling in well.

 Phase 3 training camp begins on Monday. The Phase 4 games begin on Aug. 1, as the Pittsburgh Penguins will face the Montreal Canadiens in the Qualifying Round. The winner will advance to Round One, and the loser will have a 12.5% chance of the first-overall pick as part of the second phase of the NHL draft lottery.