Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin Carried the Penguins This Season
Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin proved once again why they're the best duo in Pittsburgh Penguins history.
This season was unique for the Pittsburgh Penguins. They celebrated milestone's for each of their most prominent players, suffered historic losing streaks for this era, and ultimately missed out on the playoffs for the first time since 2006. But through it all the Penguins could still rely on Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin to carry them beyond their limitations.
We begin our 2022-23 Penguins player reviews with the team's two franchise centers.
Sidney Crosby
In his 18th season, Crosby continued his torrid pace up the NHL's all-time scoring list. Crosby led all Penguins in points (93) and assists (60) this season and finished 2nd in goals (33). It was another year of consistent success as he reached the point per game plateau for the 18th time in his career, breaking his tie for second all-time with Gordie Howe and bringing him within one of Wayne Gretzky.
If there was one knock on the year that Crosby had it would be his finish. Crosby was on pace for his seventh 100-point season for most of the year, but finished the season scoring ten points in his final 14 games. By no means did Crosby perform poorly, but his return to earth coincided with the most pivotal time in the season as the Penguins fought for a playoff spot.
All in all, it was another terrific season for the Penguins captain in which he proved once again that father time has yet to reach his doorstep.
Evgeni Malkin
Malkin came into the 2022-23 season with something to prove. A crazy statement for someone who has already given his ring size for the Hockey Hall of Fame but it holds true. The discourse surrounding Malkin during his contract negotiations last summer were loud and most of the commentary surrounded his ability to stay healthy.
Fast forward and Malkin put together his first 82-game season since the 2008-09 season when he was 22 years old. Not only did Malkin play all season, but he played extremely well. The 36-year-old center finished the season tied for fourth on the team in goals (27) and second in assists (56) and points (83).
Malkin came in clutch on multiple occasions for the Penguins this season, including when he scored the shootout winning goal against the Calgary Flames on the night of his 1,00th game celebration.
Malkin won't garner much national attention for his performance this season, but he proved that he is still one of the best centers in the league.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0A4QFENllGE[/embed]
Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more!
- Subscribe to Inside the Penguins on YouTube
- Follow Inside the Penguins on Twitter: @InsidePenguins