Evgeni Malkin, Penguins power play ruin James Neal bobblehead night

NASHVILLE – There was buildup, there were James Neal bobblehead dolls and there was a tribute video for Nick Spaling and Patric Hornqvist on Saturday night in Pittsburgh’s 3-0 win over the Predators at Bridgestone Arena.

And in the end, there was one constant for the Penguins – Evgeni Malkin scoring and looking really good doing so.

When the Penguins traded Neal in the offseason for Hornqvist and Spaling there were questions and queries – mostly around Neal and whether he could play without Malkin.

Hardly was there talk of how Malkin would look without his favorite 40-goal trigger man. It turns out just fine.

The hulking center – who started the year at wing and moved back to the pivot position – looked comfy with Pascal Dupuis and Blake Comeau.

“Geno is Geno. He makes everybody around him better,” Dupuis said. “Right now I’m the lucky guy (with him). I’ll take it.”

During the season it has been on the power play where Malkin – and the Penguins – have done most of their damage. Saturday was no different with Pittsburgh going 2-for-3 against the Predators. Currently the Pens stand at a lofty 40 percent.

Overall, six of the former Hart Trophy winner’s 10 points have come with the man-advantage. Which all basically states that a healthy power play means Malkin will still probably get his points even without Neal.

“They’re both really good hockey players, both have a different style but both create a lot,” Pittsburgh captain Sidney Crosby said. “I think Geno is trying to play his game and we’re all adjusting to different players, but both guys have settled pretty good.”

And as for Neal? He hit one post. Came close near the end of the first period, and overall finished pointless as the crowd of 17,218 went home disappointed, but with dolls that almost perfectly resembled his flow.