The Wings returned from their 5-day break and played the first of their back-to-back games against the Pittsburgh Penguins – who also just had their break. Howard, who hurt his knee a couple weeks ago, started today after a well-timed break. Matt Murray remains at home for personal reasons, so, Tristan Jarry started for the Pens.

This game was sloppy from start to finish, which normally happens when players spend some time away from the ice.

Since December 31st, the Wings are sporting a 5% success rate on the power play. Today was hardly better going 1 for 7.

Malkin, Crosby, and Kessel owned this game and Malkin got the scoring started:

Abdelkader tied it up by going five hole on Jarry on the power play(!).

Next, some great passing from Malkin to Crosby to Kessel and the Pens lead 2-1.

Kessel returned the favour;

Crosby gets the 4th on the power play;

Abdelkader and Helm both suffered lower-body injuries during the game and did not return. Expect a call-up before tomorrow’s game against Chicago.

Despite allowing 4 goals, Howard deserves the MVP today. Howard faced 36 shots and many came from the high-danger home plate zone. This game could have, and probably should have, been much worse.