It had been a long time since the Pittsburgh Penguins were without the services of Evgeni Malkin. After playing just 41 games in 2021-22, he didn’t miss a game in the past two seasons.
However, injuries have slowed the 38-year-old down this year. He was recently placed on IR for the second time this season after missing some time in early January with an upper-body injury.
In his absence, the Penguins went 1-2-1, defeating the Edmonton Oilers but losing to the Columbus Blue Jackets (in a shootout), Ottawa Senators, and Tampa Bay Lightning.
Meanwhile, they scored only ten goals, gave up 17, went 3-for-11 on the power play, and were outshot 113-110.
Although Malkin doesn’t play on the penalty kill, the Penguins didn’t stop anyone on the man advantage as opponents went 5-for-9 on the power play.
Surprisingly, without Malkin in the face-off circle, Pittsburgh won 50% of their draws (90-90), a higher percentage than what Malkin has produced in 47 games, 42.4%.
Ultimately, the importance of having Malkin in the lineup is undeniable. He ranks sixth in goals (nine), third in assists (25), and fourth in points (34). Moreover, he’s a threat in his regular spot and on the power play.
However, father time and a weaker supporting cast have slowed Malkin’s performance this season. He’s minus-19 in 47 games, the second-worst total on the team.
He’s projected to score 56 points at his current pace, his lowest total since 2021-22. If he finished minus-32 as projected, it would be the lowest total of his Hall of Fame career.
