The Pittsburgh Penguins were powered to a win thanks to a key center having his parents in the crowd.
PITTSBURGH – The 2023-24 season hasn’t been easy for the Pittsburgh Penguins as the final 10 games arrive, and they sit well outside of a playoff spot. However, there might be some peace of mind for at least one veteran center down the stretch.
Evgeni Malkin hasn’t had the greatest of seasons, but he played inspired hockey in the Penguins' win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. For the first time since before the COVID-19 pandemic, his parents were at PPG Paints Arena to watch him play.
With his parents in the stands, Malkin scored a pair of power-play goals, helping the Penguins to a 3-2 win.
“They haven’t been here since 2018 or 2019,” Malkin said. “Probably give me a little more emotion, and it works, you know? Imagine if they come in October or November.”
The Malkins are natives of Magnitogorsk, a remote town in Russia that takes 15 hours worth of flying and three layovers to reach Pittsburgh, so it’s rare Malkin sees his parents.
“It’s hard to fly because it’s almost 20 hours,” Malkin said. “I hope next season they stay the whole year.”
Vladimir and Natalia didn’t mind the long journey, though. Returning to Pittsburgh to watch their son play some of the best hockey of the year made the trek worth it.
“They were excited,” Malkin said. “They want to watch a live game finally. I know they watch every game on the internet. They wake up at like 3:00 a.m. in my hometown and they watch every game.”
Since his parents have seen every game and know where Malkin and the Penguins stand in the playoff race, they even wish the season had gone better.
“Of course, they’re not happy with how we’ve played all year,” Malkin said. “They want us to make the playoffs for sure.”
Malkin has a similar hope for the Penguins. When asked how long his parents would be in town, he said at least for the rest of the season and hopefully for a postseason run.
“Until the end of the seasons, for sure. I hope for playoffs. And I hope next year.”
Penguins captain Sidney Crosby understands the weight of having Malkin’s parents in town for his longtime teammate.
“I think it’s been at least three or for years,” Crosby said. “I’m sure that motivated him tonight to have them here. I know it would for all of us. Hopefully, they’re here for a while.”
The Penguins are in the final stretch of the season, with 10 games remaining. Crosby has been on a roll, and if Malkin can catch fire with his parents in town, they might make an interesting case for a playoff run.
Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.
Penguins Playoff Hopes Rise After Win Over Blue Jackets
Penguins' Sidney Crosby Climbs All-Time Scoring List
Evgeni Malkin Power Penguins Past Blue Jackets
Penguins Lose Defenseman Against Blue Jackets
Penguins Veteran Returns to Lineup
- undefined
- undefined