PENGUINS NEED MORE FROM STAR CENTER
PITTSBURGH – Overall, Evgeni Malkin had a mediocre year in his 18th season with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Certainly not bad by most means, but Malkin fell short of his usual expectations.
Playing all 82 games for the second consecutive season, Malkin scored 27 goals with 40 assists for 67 total points. The 2023-24 season was only the third time in Malkin’s career he finished below a point-per-game, and this was his worst average yet at .817.
If you were to look only at the end of the season, however, you would think Malkin had a pretty typical year. In the final 11 games, when the Penguins were fighting for their playoff lives, Malkin had eight goals and six assists for 14 total points.
With five multi-point efforts in that stretch, Malkin turned back the clock and showed why he is still one of the best players in franchise history. Coinciding with his parents returning to Pittsburgh, Malkin played some of his best hockey in recent years.
With three multi-goal games matched with undying determination and confidence, Malkin was one of the most essential pieces in the Penguin's lineup. Pairing him with Michael Bunting was a perfect move, and the two should continue to be linemates heading into next season.
Despite the late-season push, it’s tough to say Malkin had an outstanding season. He certainly found a rhythm, but like much of the team it was too little too late.
Heading into the 2024-25 season, Malkin is expected to still be the Penguins’ second-line center. Assuming no bigger talents join the team, Malkin will have to find a way to mimic what he did to end this past season.
It won’t be easy for a 38-year-old in that position, but if anyone can do it, it’ll be Malkin. He showed signs of life down the stretch, and he feels ready to finish his career strong.
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