On Malkin’s big night, he thanks Crosby

Evgeni Malkin has too often been treated as a supporting cast member in the Sidney Crosby vs. Alex Ovechkin show. He is a three-time Stanley Cup winner, two-time Art Ross Trophy winner and a former NHL Rookie of the Year.

Just like Ovechkin and Crosby, he has won a Conn Smythe Trophy (2008-09) as NHL playoff MVP.

Both Crosby and Ovechkin, at various times, were the NHL’s best players. But there were other times when Malkin played like the league’s best. Yet, Malkin has never received his due. In 2017, when the NHL selected its top 100 players, Malkin was inexplicably snubbed.

But his teammates (and Penguins fans) have always appreciated Malkin’s contributions. That’s why it was an emotional night Sunday in Chicago when Malkin played his 1,000th NHL game.

In tribute, his teammates joined him in his unique pregame scissor-legs stretching routine. His son Nikita read the starting lineup in the dressing room.

Fittingly, Malkin scored his eighth goal of the season and 452nd of his NHL career. He ranks fourth among active NHLers in that category. Not only should Malkin have been in the top 100 list, you can make a strong case that he now should be ranked in the top 50.

Also fittingly, the Penguins, who are struggling this season, almost blew the game. Crosby saved the day with a goal and three assists.

Malkin’s teammates made him player of the game, a final salute for what he has meant to this historic organization.

And what was Malkin’s reaction? He thanked Crosby for riding to the rescue. Of course, he did.

TRIVIA: How many players have played 1,000 or more games as a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins? Bonus: name them.

🏃‍♂️🏃 Shane Wright has been sent to the AHL on a conditioning loan. Selected fourth overall by the Kraken in the 2022 NHL Draft, Wright has been scratched 11 of Seattle's 18 games this season. He can spend up to 14 days in the AHL and is expected to be released to Team Canada for the World Junior Championships thereafter. We called it!

t-🥇 The Boston Bruins tied an NHL record, winning their 11th straight home game to open the season with a 6-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks Saturday night. The record was set by the 1963-64 Blackhawks and first tied by the 2021-22 Florida Panthers. The Bruins have an opportunity to set a new record this Friday (11/25) versus the Carolina Hurricanes at 1 PM ET.

• Tarasov makes 47 saves, Blue Jackets hand Panthers third loss in row

• Why the New Jersey Devils are dominating the NHL

• Canadiens' Nick Suzuki is a game-changing talent not seen by fans in a generation

• Goligoski receives ATV from Wild during 1,000th game ceremony

• Watch Marian Hossa's #81 go to the rafters

• NHL will require helmets for warm ups

• Georgiev making most of opportunity to be No. 1 goalie with Avalanche

• Hilary Knight has two goals, assist as U.S. beats Canada again in Rivalry Series

• Jets forward Ehlers to undergo sports hernia surgery

• Rookie Watch: Pinto, Power among best in Atlantic Division

• Improve your fake shot ➡️ backhand breakaway move with these tips from One Gear Hockey Development

• The 5 rules of in-season training for hockey players by Relentless Hockey

TRIVIA ANSWER:

Just two: Sidney Crosby & Evgeni Malkin