Penguins Star Struggling To Make An Impact
The Pittsburgh Penguins need Evgeni Malkin to break out of his current slump.
Evgeni Malkin began this season red-hot for the Pittsburgh Penguins. He scored 13 points in the first ten games, including a dominant four-point performance against the Washington Capitals. However, Malkin has struggled to find the scoresheet in recent weeks.
Malkin's goal against the Nashville Predators was his first point in six games, excluding an empty net goal against Vegas. Outside of his goal, Malkin's struggles continued against the Predators.
His line was the only forward line to finish with under 50% of the shot attempts at 5v5. They also allowed six scoring chances while only generating three of their own. Malkin alone accounted for three giveaways and is on pace to finish with over 100 giveaways for the second consecutive season.
Malkin is aware that he has more to give to the Penguins. He said as much when speaking with Rob Rossi of The Athletic earlier this week. "I can do more, you know? We need better from me."
His struggles are not in a vacuum. Malkin's linemate, Reilly Smith, is in a similar drought, scoring two points (0G-2A) in the past 11 games. Malkin and Smith found chemistry and success early in the season despite carrying an ice-cold Rickard Rakell on their line through the first month.
With Drew O'Connor now promoted to that line for the injured Rakell, Malkin and Smith will have more room on the ice due to O'Connor's speed and ability to create turnovers in the offensive zone. Those turnovers should lead to more scoring opportunities for two of the Penguins' top scorers this season.
Evgeni Malkin is a future Hall of Famer and is pivotal in the Penguins' short-term plans. The Penguins need him to climb out of his current rut if they want to rise in the standings.
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