(AP) -- Sidney Crosby is arguably the best player in the NHL, but even he needs some assistance. Evgeni Malkin's return from a shoulder injury has provided exactly what he was lacking.

Looking to continue their dominance of the New York Islanders, Crosby and the Penguins seek their fourth straight victory when the teams meet Friday afternoon at Nassau Coliseum.

Malkin missed seven straight games earlier this month to recover from a nagging shoulder injury, and the Penguins (17-8-0) struggled to a 2-5-0 mark during that span, managing one total goal in the final three contests. His absence was particularly hard on Crosby, who was limited to one goal and two assists in those seven games, including a career-worst five-game pointless drought. (MORE)