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Evgeni Malkin gives his opinion on being shuffled to the wing after the emergence of Ben Kindel
Photo credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
This evening, Pittsburgh Penguins superstar opened up about being relegated to the wing with Ben Kindel replacing him at center after his injury.
Evgeni Malkin finally returned to the Pittsburgh Penguins lineup against the New Jersey Devils but did so at an unconventional position playing on the wing alongside Ben Kindel and Yegor Chinakhov.
This is strange particularly for Malkin who has spent almost his entire career at center besides a few small stretches of games including last season for a short period.
With the sudden and unusual change everyone of course was waiting to hear from Malkin himself about what went into the move and his feelings on having to play wing.
Malkin finally spoke during his most recent media availability about the change and seemed to have a positive attitude toward being moved around.
Evgeni Malkin excited for new challenge playing wing alongside Ben Kindel
Malkin admitted that playing wing was a big adjustment for him early in the game and getting used to playing a different style was a challenge.
Even still, Malkin says he felt better with every shift and hopes to get the opportunity to play wing again and keep improving.
First period, I play left wing but third period, you see, I play right wing. I need a little bit of time. It's not easy changing your position. A long time ago, I played wing, I think. After the first, I think I take a couple of pucks, use my stick handling, it feels a little bit better for sure. A huge goal for me. I hope we play same the next game too.
Now, it will be up to Dan Muse and the Penguins coaching staff to determine whether or not they like the fit of Malkin on the wing.
If they do, then we could see Malkin transition permanently to a new role that so far has treated him well.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 9 | 68 ANSWERS Evgeni Malkin gives his opinion on being shuffled to the wing after the emergence of Ben Kindel Which position would you rather see Evgeni Malkin play for the rest of the season? | ||
| Center | 32 | 47.1 % |
| Winger | 36 | 52.9 % |
| List of polls | ||