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Crosby powers Penguins past Wild

Oct 31, 2007 - 3:18 AM ST. PAUL, Minnesota (Ticker) -- On his first return to his high school stomping grounds, Sidney Crosby made the trip worthwhile.

Crosby had a goal and three assists as the Pittsburgh Penguins posted a 4-2 victory over the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday.

Petr Sykora scored the decisive power-play tally and Evgeni Malkin had two early goals for Pittsburgh, which snapped a two-game losing streak.

The NHL's reigning MVP, Crosby, 20, was playing in Minnesota for the first time since he played high school hockey at Shattuck-St. Mary's High School in Faribault in 2002-03.

"It's obviously nice to come here and win," Crosby said. "I've watched a few games in the arena and dreamed of playing here, so I was pretty happy with the way it turned out."

The Pittsburgh captain, who tied a personal record by scoring at least a point in 10 straight games, was the facilitator on the Penguins' first three scores before taking matters into his own hands late in the game.

"As a line we were feeding off each other," Crosby said. "When everyone complements each other like that it seems like you conserve energy a bit because other guys are carrying the puck and making plays and are able to get away from coverage a little more. I think as a line we helped each other out."

It was the ninth time in his career he's scored four or more points and the first this season.

Crosby's top line created scoring chances against a stingy Minnesota defense that had allowed just four goals in its previous four home games combined.

"Crosby's line was on fire tonight," Penguins coach Michel Therrien said. "They were skating really well, moving the puck and they were creating some good opportunities and they were cautious about the defensive game as well."

After the teams went scoreless in the first period, Pittsburgh got on the board at the 3:30 mark of the second session.

Malkin accepted a pass behind the net from Crosby, who faked toward goaltender Josh Harding after dishing off the puck, causing just enough hesitation from the Wild netminder for Malkin to beat him stick side.

After the Wild tied the score less than three minutes later, Malkin delivered his second goal 15 seconds later. Ryan Malone's pass to Crosby in front of the crease was deflected out to Malkin in the right circle, and he netted a shot over Harding's left shoulder with Crosby providing a screen.

"We were playing tight we didn't give them any room, but as soon as they get it they can create, beat people and score goals," Wild coach Jacques Lemaire said. "That's what they did."

Malkin, who also added an assist later, has three goals and nine points in his last four contests.

After Brian Rolston knotted the score for Minnesota at 6:26 into the final period, Pittsburgh grabbed the lead for good on its only power play when Crosby found Sykora open between the circles and his slapshot beat Harding stick side.

"Sid made a great pass to me and I tried to turn as quick as possible to release it and fortunately it went in," Sykora said. "He's Sidney Crosby, what can I say? He's the best."

Crosby finished off the scoring with beauty. Taking a pass on a breakaway from defenseman Sergei Gonchar, Crosby raced up the ice, deked once to get Harding to move, before slipping the puck between the netminder's pads for his fifth goal and 17th point of the season.

"Crosby seems to be a great leader," Lemaire said. "He's a great player. I don't know him personally, but I would love to have one on our club, if they make any more."

Malkin and Malone both tallied three points and goaltender Dany Sabourin stopped 28 shots for the Penguins, who won for the first time in four tries at Xcel Energy Center. Sabourin won for the second time in as many starts.

Stephane Veilleux scored his first goal of the season and Harding stopped 23 shots for the Wild, who have dropped four straight after starting the season 7-0-1.

Minnesota, playing without top-line wingers Marian Gaborik and Pavol Demitra along with Niklas Backstrom all because of groin injuries, got two assists from Mikko Koivu.