NEED TO KNOW

Anyone who has ever watched Evgeni Malkin play the game of hockey understands what a dominant force he is on the ice. The dynamic talent from Magnitogorsk, Russia has been one of the most talked about and followed players in the game since he began his NHL career with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2006-07. This season, Evgeni has again asserted his offensive dominance, leading the Penguins in goals and points while being an overall impact player. His play, in combination with the depth that the Penguins employ, continues to be one of the many issues for opposing teams in attempting to grab two points off Pittsburgh.

This past week, Evgeni continued his strong play, registering 2 goals and 4 assists for 6 points in two games, to help lead the Pens to a pair of wins. After collecting three assists in a win over the Capitals, he then lit the lamp twice and added a helper in a 5-3 victory over the Blue Jackets. He’s also now recorded three points in each of his last three games.

With Malkin looking strong and dominant, along with some of his longtime teammates and the players that the Penguins have brought in, fans in Pittsburgh should be excited as the winter turns to spring and the playoff picture becomes a little more clear.

BIOGRAPHY

• Born in Magnitogorsk, Russia on July 31, 1986
• Drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 1st round, 2nd overall in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft
• Played a key role on the Penguins 2008-09 Stanley Cup championship team; won the Conn Smythe Trophy
• Named the Ted Lindsay Award recipient by his peers as the “Most Outstanding Player” in the NHL (2011-12)
• Two-time winner of the Art Ross Trophy as the league’s top scorer (2008-09, 2011-12)
• Voted three times to the NHL First All-Star Team (2007-08, 2008-09, 2011-12)
• Has represented Russia internationally on many occasions, including at the IIHF World Championship in 2012 and 2014 when he played for his homeland’s gold-medal winning teams