Penguins' Star Still Among Best at Position
The Pittsburgh Penguins still have one of the best second-line centers in hockey.
Heavy criticism is nothing new for Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin. He's faced it throughout his career and saw his fair share during the 2023-24 season.
The Penguins star wasn't without his struggles this season, including two lengthy goal-scoring droughts. But even in a rough season, Malkin's offensive production was among the best at his position.
He finished the year tied for fifth in goals (27) and sixth in points (67) among NHL second-line centers. Malkin achieved those numbers despite historically low power-play production and a lack of consistency from his wingers.
Malkin finished this season tied for his third-lowest power-play points (18) of his 18-year career. It was also the lowest power play percentage (15.3%) the Penguins have finished with since Malkin joined the league in 2006.
He was able to find some consistency late following the arrival of Michael Bunting in Pittsburgh. Bunting brought a new dimension to Malkin's line and helped unlock a higher level of performance out of Malkin and winger Rickard Rakell. Malkin finished the season scoring 19 pts (9G-10A) in 19 games.
An entire season with Michael Bunting and any positive regression from the power play should result in a big year for Malkin in 2024-25. He may no longer be one of the top ten centers in the league, but Malkin remains among the best second-line centers in today's game.
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