Two is nice, but if the hat fits, Evgeni Malkin knows how to wear it

Evgeni Malkin scored an empty-netter in the closing seconds to solidify one of his better performances of the season, capping a hat-trick to lead the mighty Pens past the Islanders in what could have been one of the better comeback/upsets of the year. Leading 4-1 after a strong showing from both Captain and Alternate Captain (Sidney Crosby and Malkin), the Pens let go of their lead early in the third period, sparking the Islanders to come back and tie the game at 4's with 12 minutes to play. It seemed as if the momentum had shifted in New York's favor until a blistering slap-shot from the big Russian found the back of the net and hoisted the Pens to a 5-4 lead with 8 to go. Malkin followed up with the empty-net goal, marking his fifth career hat-trick and the 17th goal of the season. Sidney Crosby, Penguins captain and arguably the best forward in the game, glided over the ice with finesse that would make Gretzky blush, finding the net two times for his 31st and 32nd goal of the season, putting him two goals and 4 points shy of the top spots in the league in scoring, vying (respectively) neck-and-neck with Caps star Alex Ovechkin, who acted as the bane of the Penguins playoff hopes last year, as he almost ended their cup hopes single-handedly with a stellar performance. Veteran Bill Guerin also found the net, marking his 16th goal of the year. All in all, the Pens put up the numbers to win the game, but it was not the most notable victory of the season by far, but it will aide in keeping the hopes alive for back-to-back Stanley Cups. GO PENS!
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