Crosby thriving in Malkin's absence
Sidney Crosby's incendiary streak has been nothing short of timely.
The Pittsburgh Penguins captain stretched his league-high point streak to 12 games with two assists in his club's 6-2 victory over the Washington Capitals on Sunday.
For the Penguins, Crosby's hot hand could not have come at a better time. While the team looks to lock down a playoff position, their No. 2 center continues to watch from the press box.
The Penguins have now played their last five games without Evgeni Malkin, but have not missed a beat, going 5-0 while Crosby's amassed three goals and nine points.
Sidney Crosby is creating new streaks for himself. 3rd straight game he's had a multi-point effort - first time he's done that this year.
— Josh Getzoff (@PensJG) March 21, 2016
Malkin was lighting it up himself prior to his departure from the lineup, punching in three goals and nine points in the seven games prior to his injury.
Crosby has now collected 17 points during the month of March, the most of any player in the league. That's contributed mightily to the team's incredible 8-3-0 record during the month.
Malkin is still expected to miss another five-to-seven weeks with an upper-body injury, but as long as Crosby continues to torment opposing defense corps, the Penguins look like they should be fine heading into the postseason.