Back from suspension, Evgeni Malkin guides Penguins past Avs

Evgeni Malkin returned from a five-game suspension and scored two of Pittsburgh's four first-period goals, sparking the Penguins to a 7-2 rout of the Colorado Avalanche in Denver on Monday night.

Erik Karlsson had a goal and two assists, Bryan Rust, Noel Acciari and Elmer Soderblom contributed a goal and an assist each, Anthony Mantha scored and Connor Dewar had two assists for Pittsburgh.

The Penguins moved two points ahead of the New York Islanders for second place in the Metropolitan Division.