The Pittsburgh Penguins won their fourth game in a row on Thursday night, defeating the New York Rangers 4-1 at Madison Square Garden. The Pens ran off three unanswered goals in the third period to walk away with the three-goal win. Richard Park gave Pittsburgh the 2-1 lead just two and a half minutes into the final period, taking a pretty pass from Deryk Engelland on a 3-on-1 chance. From there, it was all Evgeni Malkin.
The Penguins made it a two goal lead on a beautiful backhand goal by Malkin. It was his 23rd goal of the season, as he picked the puck off the board, darted to the center of the ice and went backhand right over Lundqvist for the 3-1 lead. He would add his second of the night on a beautifully executed clear and pass from James Neal that led to an empty-net goal as the game drew to a close.
More: Analysis and commentary from last nights win
Malkin and Neal's line has scored more than half of the Penguins last 45 goals. They are both are tied for the club lead in goals with 24 and Malkin now leads the league with 54 points. It was an encouraging win, as the Pens held off the league's best team and finished it off with a huge third period. They will look to continue the winning streak at home on Friday night against Montreal.
For more on the Penguins, please visit PensBurgh, SB Nation's Penguins blog. For the perspective from the other side, please visit SB Nation New York and Blueshirt Banter, SB Nation's Rangers blog.