Whether it's denial or delusion, forward Sidney Crosby hasn't given up on the Pittsburgh Penguins' 2023-24 season.
But he's being realistic.
Crosby stated in Cranberry on Wednesday that, given their current position, they need to focus on themselves and grab points, considering the number of closely-ranked teams in the league.
The Penguins secured a 3-2 victory against the Columbus Blue Jackets at PPG Paints Arena, earning two points on Thursday.
Forward Evgeni Malkin boosted the Penguins with two power-play goals while Crosby contributed two assists. However, the absence of defenseman Ryan Graves from the majority of the first period dulled the triumph. His status remains uncertain.
The Blue Jackets seemed to score 16:19 into regulation, but a goal by rookie forward Dmitri Voronkov was disallowed due to a high-stick deflection.
Blue Jackets forward Mathieu Olivier scored a legitimate goal under similar circumstances at 5:20 of the second period.
Following a denial on a deflection by Penguins goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic, Olivier scored on the rebound. The goal was initially approved but underwent a lengthy review that ultimately upheld the call on the ice.
The Penguins responded with a power-play goal by Malkin at 9:20 of the second period.
Penguins defenseman Kris Letang faked a shot, then passed to Malkin at the top of the right circle, where Malkin scored with a one-timer for his 20th goal.
Cole Sillinger scored his 12th goal at 13:11 of the second period on a three-on-one rush from the right circle.
Malkin scored another power-play goal to tie the game 2-2, exactly three minutes later.
Malkin settled a rebound and then passed to Crosby, who subsequently passed back to Malkin. Malkin waited for an opening and then scored.
Penguins forward Drew O'Connor scored his 12th goal, giving the Penguins their first lead of the game only 35 seconds into the third period.
In a give-and-go play with Crosby, O'Connor drove into the Blue Jackets' left circle and scored a goal.
Starting for the third consecutive game, Nedeljkovic stopped 17 of 19 shots, improving his record to 12-6-5.
Notes: Crosby surpassed Hockey Hall of Fame defenseman Ray Bourque for 11th place on the NHL's career scoring list with 1,580 points. The Penguins have won 15 consecutive home games against the Blue Jackets. Forward Jeff Carter returned to the lineup after missing four games with an undisclosed injury, while forwards Emil Bemstrom and Jonathan Gruden, and defenseman John Ludvig were healthy scratches.
