PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – It might be his last season. It’s the final year of his contract, but in his return after missing 18 games, Evgeni Malkin scored as the Pens beat New Jersey 4-1.
In his last game before the injury, Malkin had a pair of goals December 4 against Tampa Bay. The goal Thursday night was on a 5-on-3 and have the Pens a 3-0 lead and firmly in control going to the third period.
Malkin admitted he was a little nervous early in the game, as he played wing with Ben Kindel in the middle. He said he and had issues getting his wind, but found it by the second period as he moved from left to right wing.
“It got better as the game went on, which is to be expected when you have been off for a little bit of time,” said Pens head coach Dan Muse. “You can’t fully replicate the game in practice. It takes a little while. I think it’s a really positive thing in his first game back as you saw the progression.”
His goal helped the Pens to a sixth straight win. They haven’t lost since before Christmas.
“I love our fans,” Malkin said. “It’s always amazing to play at home. Thanks home fans, we all tried to show good games at home. It’s very important when we play at home with the crowd, the fans love hockey here.”
He is having a Crosby season, meaning more points than games (30 points in 27 games).
Erik Karlsson, Connor Dewer and Blake Lizotte scored the other goals with Stuart Skinner winning his third game as a Penguin, all in the last three games giving up only three goals, with 25 saves.
“Every line played amazing,” Malkin said. “We have depth, everybody back, no injury. Skinner played amazing. Power play worked. PK worked. Same focus, good guys here. We know how to play and try to have fun every night.”
Malkin scored his 100th career goal against teams from the New York/New Jersey Metro area (Islanders, Rangers, Devils). Calgary is here on Saturday, then a 5p game in Boston Sunday before three more games at PPG Paints Arena.
“Right now, huge before Olympic break to take as many points as you can,” Malkin said. “Try to win as much as you can, use the break as a rest and then one more run before playoffs. Half of the season is over, it’s tight. We are playing good right now.”
Here We Go
Malkin, without being prompted in the middle of an answer, wished good luck to the Steelers in the playoffs.
“The Steelers play Monday,” Malkin said. “People love sports here. Good luck to Steelers as well.”