PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – They’ve been rivals for so long, but make no mistake Evgeni Malkin considers Alexander Ovechkin his best friend as they will meet to start post-Four Nations Face-Off run to the end of the season.
Malkin had been out with a knee injury since January 25, but says he will return to play Saturday at 3 against the Caps. The 38-year-old said the break for the international tournament allowed him time to recover and he’s felt good in a pair of practices the last two days.
On the season, Malkin has only nine goals and 25 assists in 47 games. He’s called his season up-and down.
In 64 career games against Ovechkin and the Caps, Malkin has 27 goals and 53 assists, four of the goals are game winners and 16 on the power play. The 39-year-old Ovechkin has played 78 games against the Pens with 42 goals and 33 assists with three game-winners. They’ve battled in the biggest stakes as opponents, went one-two in the same draft, but also have been teammates since they were teenagers representing Team Russia in World Championships, Olympics and other competitions.
They remain every close with the clock ticking on their careers. And now the finish line is approaching on something few figured anyone would ever do, let alone a Russian. Malkin’s best friend is 16 goals away from passing Wayne Gretzky to become the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer.
“We had dinner in Miami together (during the break),” Malkin said Wednesday. “I tried to ask him about goals, but he doesn’t want to talk about it. He wants to enjoy it and relax.”
“A couple of years ago, I wouldn’t have thought he would break the record. Now, no choice, if not this year, 100% next year.”
Malkin is rooting for his friend, at least individually, as the Caps are leading the Metropolitan Division with 36 wins and 80 points, but Malkin is not giving up on his team. The Pens are currently tied for last in the division with 23 wins and 55 points in 57 games. Geno called the last month and a half of the season a big push to return to the playoffs.
“I don’t feel great about my season and team, but it’s not over,” Malkin said. “We have 25 games left, everything can change quickly.”
With Sidney Crosby’s status unknown playing in the Four Nations Face-Off championship on Thursday with back-to-back games this weekend, Malkin could center the top line. Missing the final game before the break, Bryan Rust will return as a winger on that line. He has practiced the last two days averaging nearly a point-per-game with his sixth straight season of at least 20 goals.