Crosby and Malkin combine for 5 points as Brazeau's goal lifts Penguins past Islanders 4-3

When Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby and center Evgeni Malkin combine for five points in a single game, you know it’s not just a win—it’s a statement. That’s exactly what happened on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, where the Penguins edged the New York Islanders 4-3 in a thriller that came down to the final minutes. The game-winner? A backhand from Justin Brazeau, assisted by Malkin and Anthony Mantha, at 14:21 of the third period. And just like that, the crowd erupted—not because it was pretty, but because it was perfect.

The Early Fireworks

The game didn’t start with a bang—it started with a tap-in. At 3:23 of the first period, Rickard Rakell redirected Malkin’s backhand from the slot, giving Pittsburgh an early 1-0 lead on the power play. It was the kind of goal that looks simple until you realize how hard it is to execute under pressure. Then, Harrison Brunicke, a 23-year-old defenseman making his first full NHL season, buried his first career goal midway through the second period. The rookie’s slap shot from the blue line slipped past Islanders netminder Ilya Sorokin, and suddenly, the Penguins had a 3-1 cushion.

Islanders Fight Back

But this isn’t the 2015 Islanders. This team, under new head coach Lane Lambert, has grit. At 12:47 of the second period, Kyle Palmieri—finally breaking his goal drought—tucked a wrist shot just under Tristan Jarry’s blocker after a slick feed from Matt Barzal. The goal, described by fans on YouTube highlights as "just under the blocker," cut the lead to 3-2 and ignited a shift in momentum. By the 17:15 mark of the third, Schaefer, a defenseman making his Islanders debut, assisted on a goal by Jean-Gabriel Pageau to tie the game at 3-3. The arena, once buzzing with Penguins pride, fell into a tense hush.

The Deciding Moment

Then came Brazeau. With 1:39 left and the Islanders pulling their goalie for an extra attacker, Malkin intercepted a lazy pass near the Penguins’ blue line. He skated hard down the left wing, drew two defenders, and slid a perfect pass across the crease to Brazeau, who didn’t even look up before firing a backhand into the top corner. The shot was so quick, the net didn’t even ripple—it just snapped shut. "That’s the kind of play you dream about," said Brazeau afterward. "I just tried to put it where the goalie wasn’t." Tristan Jarry, who finished with 32 saves, held firm in the final 90 seconds. A shot from Bo Horvat rang off the post. Another from Alexander Romanov was blocked by Caleb Jones. The Islanders threw everything at the net—but Jarry, calm as ever, stood tall.

Why This Game Matters

This wasn’t just a win. It was a statement. The Penguins, who finished last in the Metropolitan Division last season, are showing signs of a resurgence. Crosby, now 38, has four assists in his last three games. Malkin, 37, is quietly having one of his most efficient seasons. And Brazeau, a 24-year-old former AHL standout, is suddenly a top-six forward with clutch instincts.

Meanwhile, the Islanders—despite the loss—are building something. Schaefer’s assist in his debut, Barzal’s playmaking, and Palmieri’s first goal of the year suggest this team isn’t just rebuilding—it’s retooling. They’re faster. They’re more aggressive. And they’re not afraid to go to the net.

What’s Next?

Both teams face divisional rivals within 48 hours. The Penguins host the Washington Capitals on Saturday, while the Islanders travel to face the New Jersey Devils on Friday. With the Metropolitan Division tighter than ever—four teams within two points of first place—every win counts. And this one? It might be the spark Pittsburgh needed.