The Pittsburgh Penguins continue to get stellar play from one of the game's all-time greats.
Evgeni Malkin has already cemented himself as one of the best to ever suit up for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
That isn’t enough for Malkin as the Penguins great continues to set himself apart as one of the best to ever play the game.
People may still be caught up that he was left off of the NHL’s list of top 100 players of all-time, but Malkin has been using that absence as motivation ever since.
Already this season, Malkin has surpassed 1,000 games played and over a point-per-game with 54 points (19G-35A) in 51 games.
Malkin’s most recent milestone was becoming the 51st player, and third Penguin to ever hit 1,200 career points.
No matter where he stands in the NHL’s eyes, the Penguins think pretty highly of the future Hall of Famer.
“It’s remarkable,” head coach Mike Sullivan said. “There aren’t a lot of players that have come into this league that have been able to accomplish that. I think he’s put himself in elite company.”
One word that has been used a lot when describing Malkin and his run to 1,200 is ‘consistency.’
Sullivan used it following the achievement, and so did Sidney Crosby leading up to the milestone.
“It shows a lot of consistency, it’s a big number,” Crosby said. “He’s had a couple of long-term injuries… it could easily be more. It just shows the kind of player he’s been over the years and still producing at a high rate.”
Despite being over the age of 35, Malkin hasn’t showed signs of slowing down this season; he entered the year fully healthy for the first time in a while and it shows with his production.
“He’s been pretty consistent all year long, he’s playing with a lot of drive,” Sullivan said. “He’s Hungry. When Geno’s at his best the puck seems to follow him.”
Even general manager Ron Hextall has been able to see the drive Malkin has as he hopes for one last shot at a championship before it’s all said and done.
“He’s been skating a lot better, he’s a very hungry player,” Hextall said. “He’s been great. Certainly no complaints. He brings a lot to our room.”
Malkin is playing some of the best hockey of his career this season and is doing all he can to help push the Penguins into another deep postseason run.
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