Malkin lifts Penguins to victory over Jets

Evgeni Malkin woke up Sunday morning, texted Pittsburgh Penguins Coach Dan Bylsma and told him he was good to go after missing nine games because of an ailing left leg. It sure looked like it.

The Russian star scored twice and added an assist, helping the Penguins rally past Winnipeg, 6-5, to extend their home winning streak to 12 straight. James Neal added two goals and Jussi Jokinen scored for the third time in the last two games as Pittsburgh’s second line kept the Penguins in it until Matt Niskanen’s slap shot with 7:22 remaining won it.

So were the Penguins after an atypical start. Pittsburgh trailed by two early but came roaring back to remain unbeaten at home since Nov. 13. Marc-Andre Fleury stopped 29 shots, including three sprawling saves in the final minute.

Bylsma won his 232nd game with Pittsburgh, moving into a tie with Eddie Johnston for the most wins in franchise history.

The Penguins almost always do well against Winnipeg. The Jets have lost each of their last 13 trips to Pittsburgh.

Evander Kane had two goals and an assist for Winnipeg. Jacob Trouba, Blake Wheeler and Mark Scheifele also scored for the Jets, who remained winless in Pittsburgh since 2006. Al Montoya made 33 saves, but he couldn’t make an early 2-0 lead stand up.