With the games dwindling in the 2025-26 and the Eastern Conference playoffs in a dead heat the Pittsburgh Penguins need any advantage they can get. It is why Evgeni Malkin’s selfish slash on Rasmus Dahlin was so damning. The team can’t afford any slip ups in such a competitive environment.
It is also why last night was so important. Coming off of a five-game suspension Malkin needed to do right by the people he let down. He needed to be the difference maker he has been throughout his career, including this very impressive 20th season.
Geno did not disappoint. He stepped up and lead the team to victory, A victory over a team who many consider the best team in the NHL. Malkin earned the first star of the game for his performance which included two goals and an assist. His dominant performance was the catalyst for the 7-2 victory over the Colorado Avalanche.
It was a statement performance for a player who has had many over the course of his career. The kind of performance that is a great reminder of what kind of competitor Malkin is even at the tail end of his legendary career. An exclamation point at a time where one was desperately needed, not only for the team, but for the player.
One thing is for certain, it is great to have Evgeni Malkin back in the lineup.
Geno Machino’s highlights
Things did begin in the most Geno way possible. He took an offensive zone penalty his very first shift of the game. However, his teammates killed it off. Geno’s thank you gesture was a splendid vintage spinorama goal.
In the words of the legendary Mike Lange “I’ve seen that fish before”
It was a huge statement by Malkin. The kind of statement that if you’ve watched Malkin throughout his career you knew he would have his gallop on in this one, and he did. He wasn’t done. He added his second of the game on a beautiful passing play by his Russian sidekick, Egor Chinakhov.
Geno capped his terrific night by springing Bryan Rust on a breakaway while on the power play
After the game, the people Geno was trying to make amends to rewarded him with the player of the game helmet.
The work isn’t over. This is just Malkin’s first game back from suspension, but it was the best possible outcome for his return to the lineup.
Malkin contract situation update
Outside of the obvious on-ice ramifications of Malkin’s suspension were the overtones of the bigger picture, his potential contract extension. The vibes surrounding the contract talks were not overly positive. Malkin seemed visibly frustrated talking about it and I do think this frustration poured over into his on-ice decision making which led to him slashing Dahlin.
Last night, for the first time, the tone seemed more pleasant coming from Geno. There was an acceptance of the process and where it is headed.
While I have been frustrated with the lack of a contract it makes me feel better with Malkin’s quote about it. I remain steadfast that he deserves a one-year extension. There’s no logical reason why it doesn’t make sense from any angle. Ultimately, I do believe it will get done.
I absolutely love Geno throwing out there that he might want to play two more seasons, but a one-year offer is absolutely the proper path forward. There’s no need to not take things one year at a time at this juncture. For right now, let’s just get Evgeni Malkin in a Penguins jersey for the 2026-27 season.
There’s no downtime for the Penguins after last night’s impressive victory. They are headed right back to Carolina to take on the division leading Hurricanes.
