Crosby, Malkin sting Flyers

Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA

Once again, the Pittsburgh Penguins showed their resilience. Their coach hopes they can make it a little easier on themselves, though.

Evgeni Malkin scored twice, including the tiebreaker in the third period, and Sidney Crosby also had two goals to lead the Pittsburgh Penguins to a 5-4 comeback victory over the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday night.

Matt Cullen also scored for the Penguins, who tallied three times in a 55-second span late in the first period while opening a four-game road trip with their fourth win in the last five. Marc-Andre Fleury stopped 38 shots while making his ninth straight start (6-2-1).

Pittsburgh came back from a two-goal deficit to win for the third time this season.

“That speaks to the resilience of the group,” Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said. “We know we have what it takes. We can come back in games. It speaks to the character in our room, which is great.”

On the other hand, Sullivan would like to see the victories come easier.

“I’d like to see us be more proactive than reactive,” he said.

Jakub Voracek scored twice for the Flyers, and Claude Giroux and Wayne Simmonds each had one for Philadelphia. Steve Mason started and gave up three goals on 13 shots in the first period. Michal Neuvirth replaced him to start the second and finished with 12 saves on 14 shots.

The Flyers were mostly encouraged with their effort.

“It’s a tough loss but I would say one of our better games this year,” Voracek said.

Flyers coach Dave Hakstol said: “We don’t have to change anything. We have to tighten up a couple of things.”