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Evgeni Malkin's Early Season Form Sparks Déjà Vu for Him and Penguins Fans
Photo credit: DK Pittsburgh Sports
Penguins' Evgeni Malkin is currently leading the league in points, just like at the start of the 2022-23 season, when he stated he hopes to win the Hart Trophy.
Evgeni Malkin is off to a scorching start once again. The Pittsburgh Penguins star looked unstoppable in Tuesday's 3-0 win over the New York Rangers and carried that momentum into Thursday's matchup with the New York Islanders.
Malkin entered the night just one point shy of tying Mats Sundin for 30th on the NHL's all-time scoring list, and he didn't just tie him, he passed him. With a three-point performance, Malkin climbed to 1,351 career points.
He appeared to open the scoring in the first period before the goal was credited to Rickard Rakell, earning him an assist instead. Malkin added two more helpers, including the setup on the game-winner in the third period.
Justin Brazeau notched his third goal in two games to seal the 4-3 victory, keeping the Penguins perfect at 2-0-0 to start the 2025-26 season. Malkin's five points through two games mark the best two-game start of his career.
He's now just two points away from tying Guy Lafleur for 29th and three away from matching Brendan Shanahan for 28th on the all-time list.
Evgeni Malkin Had a Similar Hot Start Two Seasons Ago, Sparking Memories
It's a familiar story for Malkin and deja vu for the fans. Two seasons ago, he joked after a hot start that he hoped the season would end the next day so he could win the Hart Trophy.
"I hope tomorrow the season is over, and I win the Hart Trophy."
- Evgeni Malkin
- Evgeni Malkin
Now, two years later, he's once again among the league leaders in scoring, playing with the same fire, drive, and joy that have defined his career.
The Penguins host the Rangers on Saturday, and if Malkin's early play is any indication, the 39-year-old might just be writing another special chapter in his Hall of Fame story.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 10 | 56 ANSWERS Evgeni Malkin's Early Season Form Sparks Déjà Vu for Him and Penguins Fans Will Evgeni Malkin be near the top of the league in points leaders all season? | ||
| Yes | 27 | 48.2 % |
| No | 29 | 51.8 % |
| List of polls | ||