Coach Mike Sullivan put him back on the top unit in last Friday’s loss in Dallas.

Thursday, it felt like old times for Malkin and the Penguins. The Russian ripped a one-timer from his favorite spot — atop the right circle — past his countryman.

It was his 20th goal of the season. Malkin has now hit that milestone 15 times.

The Blue Jackets retook the lead when Cole Sillinger scored on a 3-on-1 rush. But exactly three minutes later, Malkin tied it up again on the man advantage.

This time, Crosby threaded a seam pass through to Malkin, who was lurking low in the left circle. He patiently pulled the puck into a better shooting position and put a shot between Tarasov’s long legs. It might have hit a stick on its way in.

As Malkin grinned wide down on the ice, Malkin’s parents jumped to their feet up in lower bowl. They were in attendance, watching with Malkin’s wife, Anna.

Thursday was Malkin’s third multi-goal game of the season. The last one came on Dec. 27. In the 38 games in between, the 36-year-old netted just six goals.

Drew O’Connor scored on a sweet shot off the rush to give the Penguins their first lead 35 seconds into the third period. Crosby got an assist on that one, too.

The captain has piled up multiple points in three straight games, and he is on the verge of yet another season in which he averaged at least one point a game.

ICE CHIPS

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