Crosby’s 5-Goal Night Leads Penguins to 7-4 Win Over Blues in St. Louis

When Sidney Crosby lit up the net for five goals on April 14, 2026, at Enterprise Center, it wasn’t just a career night—it was a statement. The Pittsburgh Penguins crushed the St. Louis Blues 7-4 in a high-octane showdown that redefined the playoff race in the Eastern Conference. The game, which started at 9:30 PM EDT, drew a sellout crowd of 17,737 fans who watched as Crosby, already the NHL’s leading scorer, turned a tight contest into a personal highlight reel. By the third period, the Pittsburgh Penguins had pulled away with a flurry of goals, capped by a stunning power-play strike from Evgeni Malkin that sealed the win. The Blues, despite a spirited effort from left winger Jordan Neighbours, couldn’t match the Penguins’ offensive rhythm or defensive discipline.

A Night of Pure Crosby Magic

Crosby didn’t just score—he orchestrated. His five goals came in three different scenarios: even strength, shorthanded, and on the power play. He added four assists, bringing his season total to 15 points in just seven games. The last time a player recorded five goals in a single game against the Blues? That was Mario Lemieux in 1991. And while Crosby didn’t break any records that night, he did something rarer—he made the impossible look routine. Malkin, his longtime linemate, supplied five assists, turning the Penguins’ third line into a scoring machine. The duo combined for 14 points, a figure that hasn’t been matched by any pair in the NHL since 2021.

Blues’ Defense Crumbles Under Pressure

St. Louis entered the game with a 3-2-1 record, hoping to climb into the Central Division’s top four. But their 3.86 goals-against average—the worst in the Western Conference—came back to haunt them. Goalie Jordan Binnington faced 32 shots, allowing seven goals on 31 saves. The Blues’ defensive corps, already missing Torey Krug (ankle, out until September 2026), struggled to contain Pittsburgh’s speed. Coach Drew Bannister admitted after the game: "We didn’t match their intensity. We didn’t match their hunger. And when Crosby gets going like that, you’re just trying to survive."

Statistical Edge: Why Pittsburgh Dominated

The numbers tell a clear story. The Penguins averaged 3.50 goals per game this season, compared to the Blues’ 2.86. Pittsburgh’s 2.38 goals-against average was nearly 1.5 goals better than St. Louis’ 3.86. They also led the league in power-play efficiency (32.4%) and were second in shots per game (25.4). The Blues, meanwhile, were 24th in save percentage (.892) and 27th in penalty kill (76.8%). Even their 25.6 shots per game—slightly higher than Pittsburgh’s—meant little when 60% of them came from the perimeter. The Penguins, by contrast, generated 41 high-danger chances, per NHL’s tracking data.

Injury Woes and Season Implications

Both teams entered the game with injury concerns. Pittsburgh was missing five key players—including Kris Letang and Kevin Hayes—yet still outplayed a Blues team that had only three injured. The Blues’ depth, especially on defense, is now a glaring weakness. With Krug sidelined until next September, their blue line is aging and thin. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh’s depth scoring—led by Tristan Jarry in net and rookie Mason McTavish on the third line—suggests they’re built for a deep playoff run.

What’s Next for Both Teams?

The win pushed the Pittsburgh Penguins to 6-2 on the season, solidifying their hold on second place in the Metropolitan Division. They face the Carolina Hurricanes in three days. The Blues, now 3-3-1, drop to sixth in the Central and must win four of their next five just to stay in playoff contention. With a tough stretch ahead—including games against Colorado, Dallas, and Minnesota—their window to climb is narrowing fast.

Historical Context: A Rivalry Rekindled

This was the 128th meeting between the two franchises. The Penguins lead the all-time series 64-52-11. Their last matchup, on October 27, 2025, in Pittsburgh, ended in a 5-3 Penguins win. That game was the first time Crosby and Neighbours faced off as primary offensive threats. Now, with Crosby’s performance, the narrative has shifted. The Blues used to be the gritty, grinding team that wore down Pittsburgh. Now, it’s the opposite.