Penguins Preview: Evgeni Malkin Breaks Through
The Pittsburgh Penguins welcome the Montreal Canadiens prior to another break.
PITTSBURGH -- After salvaging a point in their last game, the Pittsburgh Penguins welcome their second straight Atlantic Division opponent to PPG Paints Arena. While the Penguins fell just a bit short against the Florida Panthers, they'll try their luck with the middle-of-the-pack Montreal Canadiens. Here's what to watch for as the Penguins try to make it a three-point weekend versus Montreal.
1. Malkin Breaks Through
Evgeni Malkin looked lost over the last few weeks, going goalless in his last five games and scoring just once in his last ten. That all changed with his game-tying goal against the Panthers. The Penguins are banking on this goal being the spark of another run of production for Geno. The Penguins are six points out of a playoff spot, and a run by their eldest superstar is desperately needed for the team to make up some ground. With 59 points in 47 career games against the Habs, bet on the Penguins getting a big game Malkin.
2. Monahan Driving Trade Value
The Canadiens were hoping this would be a season they took a step forward and entered the playoff conversation. They don't appear to be there quite yet, and are shaping up to be sellers at this year's trade deadline. Perhaps their best trade candidate is center Sean Monahan. After a few down years and a change of teams, Monahan's game is once again top-six worthy. He has 34 points in 48 games on an under .500 Canadiens squad, and he's looked his best since his 30 goal season in 2019.
In the remaining weeks leading up to the deadline, the asking price for Monahan is sure to go up. Contending teams looking for another proven center will pay a premium. For the Penguins, it means they'll have another scoring forward to contain in addition to the young core in Montreal.
3. Eller's 1000th Game
The Penguins have another milestone to celebrate in this matchup. Third line center Lars Eller will be playing in his 1,000th NHL game. Playing in his first season in black and gold, Eller's been more than serviceable in his bottom six role. He's put up nine goals and 14 points over 44 games and has been a pivotal part of the Penguins' penalty-killing improvements.
The Penguins will acknowledge Eller's achievement prior to puck drop. It will be interesting to see if Eller can celebrate the day by putting up his ninth goal of the season.
The Penguins and Canadiens face-off at 7:00 p.m.
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