Young stars lessen gloom
PITTSBURGH — The Penguins' status in Pittsburgh might be clouded, but their future on the ice appears brighter every day.
Fueled by their young stars, the Penguins won their fourth in a row, 7-4 over the New York Islanders Friday night.
Ryan Malone had a hat trick and 19-year-old NHL scoring leader Sidney Crosby had a goal and three assists for Pittsburgh. Crosby has 10 points in his last two games. He had a goal and five assists in an 8-4 victory over Philadelphia on Wednesday night.
"The offense is great, but the one good thing is we allowed hardly any chances up until the third period where we got a little lackadaisical," said Mark Recchi, who had one goal and three assists to give him 800 assists for his career.
Hours before game time, it was announced that prospective owner Jim Balsillie had delivered a notice of termination regarding his intent to purchase the club. At least two banners were hung by fans supporting the Isle of Capri Casino Co., which has pledged to build a new arena for the team in Pittsburgh free of charge — if it is awarded the city's slot machine license. The state gaming control board is expected to announce its decision Wednesday.
Jason Blake, Tom Poti, Miroslav Satan and Mike York each had a goal and an assist for New York, which was playing for the first time in six days.
Crosby had a goal and five assists Wednesday. Jordan Staal and Maxime Talbot also scored for Pittsburgh.
It was the first career hat trick for the 27-year-old Malone, who was scoreless through his first 11 games this season until he had a goal and three assists against Philadelphia.
"I just keep shooting pucks on net, and sooner or later they'll go in," Malone said. "Obviously, it's not always going to be like this, but as long as we're getting chances, that's the important thing."
Malone was getting chances all night — thanks to Crosby. Malone's goals each came directly off passes from Crosby, with the first two looking very similar.
Malone opened the scoring 7:22 into the game. Recchi carried the puck into the zone and passed it to Crosby, who found Malone streaking down the left wing. Malone's wrist shot beat Rick DiPietro high to the glove side.
It was the seventh consecutive game in which Crosby had a point and fourth in a row he collected an assist.
Malone's other goals came in the third period, the first at 8:45 — also from Crosby and Recchi — and then the game's final goal at 15:34 on a pass from Crosby, who had carried the puck into the New York zone and held it for several seconds.
"Sid made great passes on all three plays," Malone said.
