The Penguins got two backbreaking goals from Evgeni Malkin for a 4-2 victory against Philadelphia in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference final tonight at Mellon Arena.

Petr Sykora opened the scoring for the Penguins on a backhander at 6:19 of the first period, but the Flyers tied it, 1-1, on Mike Richards' wraparound goal 2:11 later

Richards got his second goal at 12:50 of the first period from close range, but the Penguins tied it again, 2-2, 1:21 later when Sidney Crosby deflected the puck past Philadelphia goaltender Martin Biron.

Malkin scored the next two goals for a 4-2 Penguins lead.

With 6.5 seconds left in the first period, he grabbed the puck at the right point, moved up to the dot and ripped a wrist shot past Biron.

At 4:50 of the second period, Penguins winger Marian Hossa bumped Philadelphia's Daniel Briere off the puck in the Penguins' end, and defenseman Sergei Gonchar moved in to set up Malkin on a breakaway at the far blue line with no one seemingly within miles.

Malkin, who struggles on penalty shots, moved down the slot to within 10 feet before sending a slap shot under Biron.

Plum native R.J. Umberger had two assists for the Flyers.

Game 2 is Sunday night at Mellon Arena.