For the non-hockey fans, Evgeni Malkin is a 20-year-old Russian player who recently joined the Pittsburgh Penguins (having recovered from a preseason shoulder injury). Before his debut last week, he was touted as the best player outside the NHL. Last night’s goal against the New Jersey Devils proves that label was dead on:
“Martin Brodeur, please come by stall #71 in the Penguins’ dressing room to retrieve your jock strap.” Malkin’s got 4 goals and 2 assists in his first four games in the league–that ranks him among Gretzky and Lemieux for the hottest career starts.
I watched Malkin play at the World Juniors tournament back in January, and he was a sight to behold. As the cliche goes, he was dangerous every time he touched the puck.
I’m getting lambasted in my hockey pool (I keep telling myself that it’s a long season), but at least I got Sidney Crosby with the second overall pick. He’s playing with Malkin, and they look pretty awesome together.
DarrenBarefoot.com 
Malkin was a risky pick.
I know someone chose Malkin even though he was injured…who was that? Oh yeah, me!
Don’t worry Darren, It’s a long season.
Not to mention that they got that Jordan Staal kid. They’re forming quite the force out in Penn., no matter how young Pittsburgh is looking as a team.
Watching the clip I think the happiest guy on the ice was Crosby. That was a serious hockey hug he laid on Malkin. Though I suppose it makes sense – anyone else out there who can carry the puck and is a threat will make his life a whole lot easier.