As the Pittsburgh Penguins prepare to take on the Colorado Avalanche on March 16, 2026, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation. The game, set to start at 9:30 p.m. ET, marks a significant East vs. West showdown at Ball Arena in Denver, CO.
In a notable development, Evgeni Malkin returns to the Penguins’ lineup after serving a five-game suspension for slashing Rasmus Dahlin. Malkin, who has been a key player for the Penguins, ranks fourth on the team with 47 points and second with 34 assists in 46 games played. His presence is expected to bolster the Penguins’ offense significantly.
Joining Malkin in the lineup is Justin Brazeau, who returns after missing four games due to injury. However, the Penguins will be without Blake Lizotte, who has been ruled out with an upper-body injury. The team will rely on Arturs Silovs, who is starting in goal, to help secure a much-needed victory.
The Avalanche currently lead the NHL with 97 points, showcasing their dominance this season. They have outscored their opponents by an average of 1.64 goals per game at home following a day of rest. This statistic highlights the challenge the Penguins face as they aim to overcome the formidable Avalanche.
In the context of this matchup, Kyle Dubas praised Malkin’s performance, stating, “The year that Geno’s had has been spectacular for someone who’s 39 years old.” This underscores the importance of Malkin’s return not just for his scoring ability, but also for his leadership on the ice.
Valeri Nichushkin is expected to play a crucial role for the Avalanche, as he joins Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas on the top line, providing him with a golden opportunity to contribute offensively.
The Penguins have struggled defensively, allowing three goals in each of their last six games. This trend will need to change if they hope to compete with a high-scoring team like the Avalanche.
As the game approaches, both teams are aware of the stakes involved. The Penguins are looking to improve their standings, while the Avalanche aim to maintain their lead in the league. The return of key players like Malkin and Brazeau adds an extra layer of intrigue to this critical matchup.
With the game airing locally on SportsNet Pittsburgh and nationally on ESPN, fans are eager to see how this clash unfolds. The outcome could have significant implications for both teams as they head into the final stretch of the season.