Malkin piling up goals, honors
The Pens center was named the NHL's 'First Star' of the Week for the first week of February after being the NHL's 'First Star' for the month of January.
"It's good, of course," Malkin said of the recognition. "But I'm trying to be quiet and I'm trying to just play my game. I understand the hockey gods are helping me right now (laughs). I'm just trying to use my moment, enjoy the game and try to help the team to win."
He's certainly been doing that. Malkin is currently on a four-game goal scoring streak, where he's collected eight goals. His stretch began on Jan. 25, where he tallied twice in a 6-3 victory over Minnesota and continued with his 12th career hat trick in a 5-2 defeat of San Jose Sharks on Jan. 30.
Three nights later, Malkin scored twice and added a pair of assists in a 7-4 win over Washington, giving him multiple goals in three-consecutive games - joining Sidney Crosby and Jaromir Jagr as the only Pens in the past 25 years so accomplish that feat. He then netted the only goal in the Pens' 3-1 loss to New Jersey on Saturday.
"Every time he hops on the ice, he's going," defenseman Kris Letang said. "He fuels our team."
Malkin has been absolutely dominant, and when he's going like he is, that confidence and that swagger has a trickle-down effect throughout the rest of the lineup.
"He's one of our leaders and when you see him do what he does out there, especially lately, it gets everyone going," defenseman Justin Schultz said. "He's so hot right now, you just want to give him the puck and it'll probably go in."
That was the sentiment shared around the Pens' locker room. Get that vulcanized rubber disc onto Malkin's stick as quick as possible with the way he's playing right now. And, as Schultz admitted with a chuckle, it helps that Malkin always wants it anyway.
"All you can really do is just watch and take it all in," defenseman Jamie Oleksiak said. "He's obviously a very special player and I think we've got a lot of skill on this team. He's been really hot and the things he's been able to do, he's come up big for us a few times. Just kind of get him the puck and watch it happen. It's been fun."
Part of the reason for Malkin's success has been his shoot-first mentality, something the coaches have been encouraging him to adapt, especially when he's not playing on a line with Phil Kessel. So Malkin has been putting everything and anything at the net, getting his goals by beating goalies clean or banking pucks off skates.
"The last couple weeks I feel like I'm so lucky, but it's fine," Malkin said. "I try to help the team to win and I'm glad. I really like my shots. It's coming and I want to use my shots right now."
While Malkin has been especially hot recently, his scoring spree really began back in December. Since then, he's scored 22 goals in 28 games, most in the NHL. Last month, Malkin led the NHL with 12 goals in 12 games, and his 19 points were second-most behind Crosby (21).
"I try to play hard every night," he said. "I feel so good the last month. No injury, nothing, great shape. Just play my game."
For the season, Malkin has 29 goals, second-most in the entire NHL, three behind league-leader Alex Ovechkin. He also has 60 points, which ranks fourth in the league. He's taken his game to the level that only elite players in this league can reach, which is impressive considering the amount of hockey he's played over the last couple of years.
"I didn't go to the All-Star Game, it's a little bit of a help to me," Malkin joked. "I had a couple days extra to go to Miami and spend time with my family. It's not great weather, but still, to spend time with my son, he gives me energy every day."
What also gives him energy are his teammates.
"We have four good lines, not just me, Sid, Phil and 'Tanger,'" Malkin said. "Each player here has an unbelievable skill level, level of play. When you practice each player will stickhandle and beat you 1-on-1. It's an amazing team, I'm happy to be here. It's fun to be here."
