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Penguins looking to build momentum vs. Blue Jackets

Feb 6, 2009 - 11:23 AM Columbus (24-22-5) at Pittsburgh (25-23-5) 7:30 p.m. EST

PITTSBURGH (Ticker) -- The Pittsburgh Penguins are hoping a thrilling comeback can help reverse their lengthy struggles.

The Penguins try to record back-to-back victories for only the second time since November when they host the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday.

Trailing by three goals entering the third period Wednesday, All-Star Evgeni Malkin scored twice - including the game-winner with 16 seconds remaining in overtime - as Pittsburgh snapped a three-game losing streak with a 4-3 win against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

After Malkin put the Penguins on the board with a backhander 2:25 into the third, defenseman Mark Eaton tallied and Petr Sykora forged a 3-3 tie with 3:29 left in regulation.

Malkin unleashed a wrister from in front of the net over the shoulder of Lightning goaltender Mike McKenna in the extra session for Pittsburgh, which entered the game with a 9-17-1 record since December 4, collecting the second-fewest points in the NHL over that span.

The Penguins hope to build on the victory against the slumping Blue Jackets, who closed a four-game homestand with back-to-back losses.

After surrendering seven tallies for the second time this season in a four-goal loss to the Dallas Stars on Saturday, Columbus endured a 4-2 setback to the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday.