Having put the Penguins in a tough situation by earning his five-game suspension while captain Sidney Crosby was already out of the lineup, Malkin knew he had to hit the ice sprinting. He did that and then some, providing enough early-game mojo to spearhead a four-goal opening period that proved the difference against the NHL’s best team.
“He was awesome,” head coach Dan Muse said. “He was flying out there. It wasn’t a surprise. He is just somebody who loves the game, and is a competitor.”
For good measure, Malkin helped break the will of the Avalanche, sending Rust on a breakaway. It resulted in Rust scoring five-hole for a 6-2 lead late in the second period, a tally that felt like the Pens could finally let out a small exult. Kudos on that play by Rickard Rakell, who tracked back, intercepted an Avalanche pass and got the puck moving forward to Malkin.
But the night belonged to Malkin. Not that anyone needed reminding of the scintillating talent he possesses even at age 39, but he did so anyways. His teammates rewarded his by presenting him with the post-game helmet as their ‘player of the game.’