PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Yes, the teenagers are playing well and Harrison Brunicke got his first goal, but a 39-year-old is also playing at a high level. Evgeni Malkin with a goal and two assists in the Pens 4-3 win over the Islanders Thursday giving him five points in two games.
“My game, I don’t care, I try to do my best and help the team to win,” Malkin said postgame.
The team is 2-0 beating both New York City teams, one in the season opener at Madison Square Garden and the home opener Thursday. First-year Pens head coach Dan Muse says what he’s noticed about coaching Malkin is how hard he’s worked off the puck, not just in the first two games, but also in practice.
“It’s been awesome,” Muse said. “He’s been great. You see a player like him for so long from afar. You coach against him for a number of years. You get a chance to work with him every day. He’s been working on both sides of the puck.”
“The offensive production has been great and he's feeling good there with the puck right now, around the net, making plays. Both games he’s been involved in a lot of chances.”
Malkin is currently centering a line with a pair of free agents signees, Anthony Mantha and Justin Brazeau. The 27-year-old Brazeau already has three goals playing on Malkin’s line.
“These two kids are amazing,” Malkin said. “They are big, they use size, they use speed. I think it’s a great line, we can do everything in the offensive zone, faceoffs, D-zone. Last two games, just two games, but I think our line played good.”
Malkin also passed Mats Sundin for 30th place on the NHL all-time points list. He is two points from Guy Lafleur and three from Brendan Shanahan.
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Before the game, the team honored its three players who have played two decades together-Malkin, Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang with a separate introduction preceded by a tribute video.
“It’s very special, time is flying,” Malkin said. “I feel like 20 years ago is one day, it’s amazing. To play with Sid and Tanger on the same team, it’s special. A lot of people talk about that. I try to do my best. Who knows, it maybe the last year.”
“Sid is a special kid, Tanger too. Lots of injuries, lots of wins together. (I want to) Keep going.”
“I’m just having fun, I said before, it’s my last year, I’ve enjoyed every moment. I’ve had a long run. I want to just play now.”