The 2012 season was a special one for Evgeni Malkin.

Although the Penguins did not capture the Stanley Cup, Malkin himself had a truly exceptional season, scoring 50 goals and adding 59 assists for 109 points in the regular season. It was Malkin’s first 50-goal season and already his second scoring title in his young NHL career. His play was acknowledged by the entire hockey world as he received three of the biggest individual awards in the game; the Art Ross (regular season leading scorer), the Hart (most valuable player) and the players’ own Ted Lindsay Award (“most outstanding player” as voted by the members of the NHLPA).

Although Malkin received these awards last June at the NHL Awards show in Las Vegas, the Penguins superstar had the opportunity to relive this proud career moment when he got another great surprise from his teammates on behalf of his fellow NHLPA members on Friday. Prior to the team’s practice in Pittsburgh on Friday, Penguins NHLPA Player Rep Craig Adams presented him with two prestigious items to honour his season as the 2011-12 Ted Lindsay Award recipient: a miniature Ted Lindsay Award trophy that he will be able to personally keep; and a unique portrait of him that was painted by noted Ottawa artist, Tony Harris.

The recognition caught Malkin off-guard and his enjoyment was evident in his smile and his words.

“Thank you guys, this is a nice surprise for me," Malkin said. "Thank you everyone … I had a tough injury and you all supported me. I love you guys."

video courtesy of PensTV