Evgeni Malkin recently shared his thoughts on reaching significant career milestones as he prepares for his 19th NHL season. Speaking on Sept. 19, just after the Pittsburgh Penguins began training camp, Malkin expressed his eagerness to score his 500th career goal and reach 1,300 points. He feels an urgency to achieve these milestones as the Penguins get ready to kick off the regular season against the New York Rangers.
Malkin, who is just two goals shy of 500 and four points away from 1,300, emphasized his determination to score early in the season. “First of all, score two goals,” he stated, indicating he wants to hit these targets in regular-season games rather than during preseason. With a competitive spirit, he added, “My goal all the time is like, four points every game. Team wins every game.”
In Penguins history, Malkin ranks second in games played with 1,145, behind teammate Sidney Crosby at 1,272 games. He also stands third in points with 1,296, including 498 goals and 798 assists. Although he acknowledges he is not the same player he was in his prime, when he won the Art Ross Trophy and the Hart Trophy in the 2011-12 season, he remains a formidable competitor. Last season, Malkin scored 27 goals and provided 40 assists over a full 82-game schedule.
Teammate Kris Letang, who has played alongside Malkin since their rookie seasons in 2006-07, noted that Malkin’s confidence is a significant factor in his performance. “When you have that much confidence, you literally put a lot of fear in your opponent,” Letang remarked, praising Malkin’s skills and physical presence on the ice.
The trio of Malkin, Crosby, and Letang, who are the longest-tenured line in North American major pro sports, is hoping to restore the team’s playoff streak after missing the postseason for the past two years. Malkin reflected on the disappointment of the last two seasons, stating, “It’s not fun. When you lose and you’re not in the playoffs, it’s not great for the city, not great for the fans.”
Head coach Mike Sullivan, who recognized the bond between Malkin, Crosby, and Letang, noted their camaraderie is akin to that of siblings. As they embark on this new season, the core of the team remains focused on achieving success and making the most of their remaining playing years together. Malkin’s ambition to have Crosby assist him on his 500th goal is a testament to their connection on and off the ice, with Sullivan jokingly suggesting that he might consider placing Malkin on Crosby’s wing to facilitate that moment.