Penguins

Evgeni Malkin Climbing NHL Scoring Leaders

Published

5 years ago

October 29, 2018

PITTSBURGH, PA - FEBRUARY 17: Pittsburgh Penguins Center Evgeni Malkin (71) waits for play to begin during the first period in the NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Toronto Maple Leafs on February 17, 2018, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. The Penguins defeated the Maple Leafs 5-3. Photographer: Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire

Just one scoreless game. Otherwise, Evgeni Malkin has put a lot of ink on the scoring sheet and now leads the NHL in points per game (2.0).

Last season, Malkin nearly cracked the 100 point mark for the first time since 2012 with 98 points (42g, 56a). This season, Malkin and Phil Kessel have been torturing coaches and opponents alike.

In just nine games, Malkin has 18 points (5g, 13a). He has six multi-point games including four three-point games. And Malkin is on a seven-game scoring streak.

Malkin trails only a pair of Colorado Avalanche forwards: Mikko Rantanen has 21 points (5g, 16a) and Nathan MacKinnon has 18 points (9g, 9a). However, the Avalanche have played three more games than the Penguins.

Malkin trails only Rantanen in overall assists, too. Importantly, 14 of Malkin’s 18 points, including four goals have been scored at even strength.