Pittsburgh, PA (Sports Network) - Sidney Crosby had a goal and an assist, while Ty Conklin recorded his fourth career shutout, as the Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Florida Panthers, 3-0, at Mellon Arena.

Evgeni Malkin also had a goal and a helper for the Penguins, who have won six straight and seven of their last eight contests.

Conklin was brilliant, stopping all 35 shots faced, while improving to 7-0 and earning his second shutout this season. Tyler Kennedy also tallied in the win, which was also the first game of a home-and-home set between the clubs.

Tomas Vokoun made 28 saves for Florida, which has dropped four of its last five.

Pittsburgh took control of the game early, striking for two quick goals. First it was Kennedy lighting the lamp 4:26 into the opening period. Less than two minutes later Malkin struck on the power play, with Steve Montador in the box serving a roughing minor.

"I thought we came out of the gates real hard," Kennedy said. "That's what we got to do, to jump on teams who play that many games in that many nights. I thought we played well the whole game."

Crosby carried the puck down the right side and into the Florida zone, in the low circle, then found Ryan Whitney at the top of the left circle. After Whitney's shot was stopped by Vokoun, Malkin put the rebound home, giving the Penguins a 2-0 lead.

Both teams had several chances in the second period, with the Penguins outshooting the Panthers 12-10 in the frame. But the goaltenders were solid and Pittsburgh maintained a two-goal advantage heading in the third.

Crosby tallied his 17th goal of the season with 2:41 left in the contest to account for the 3-0 final score. Florida, trying to bring the puck out of its own zone, coughed up the disc to Malkin, who found Crosby in the middle slot. Crosby then let a quick wrist shot go, beating Vokoun low to the glove side.

"We had some chances, but we really didn't generate enough," Panthers defenseman Jay Bouwmeester said. "There were alot of shots from outside. Any goalie is going to stop that kind of stuff. He (Hasek) made some decent saves and played well. We were not on the ball tonight."