Evgeni Malkin Reaches 1,300 Career Points in NHL Milestone
TORONTO — In a remarkable display of skill and perseverance, Evgeni Malkin has entered his 19th NHL season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, and he is already making headlines. On a night that saw the Penguins fall 4-2 to the Toronto Maple Leafs, Malkin achieved a significant career milestone by recording his 1,300th career point. This achievement places him among an elite group of players, further solidifying his legacy in the league.
A Night to Remember
Malkin’s milestone point came late in the third period when he showcased his playmaking ability. He carried the puck into the offensive zone and made a precise pass to Rickard Rakell, who found the back of the net. Earlier in the game, Malkin also assisted on Kris Letang’s power-play goal in the first period. With these two assists, he not only contributed to his team’s efforts but also etched his name in the record books.
The Pittsburgh Penguins celebrated the achievement on social media, highlighting the significance of Malkin’s accomplishment. "Quite a shot by Rakell, and quite a milestone for Evgeni Malkin 🎉," the team tweeted, capturing the excitement surrounding this moment.
Recent Achievements
This milestone comes on the heels of another significant achievement for Malkin. Just two nights prior, he recorded his 800th assist in a victory over the Detroit Red Wings. Only 34 players in NHL history have reached that mark, underscoring Malkin’s exceptional playmaking skills. With these accomplishments, Malkin has joined an exclusive club of players who have reached both 1,300 points and 800 assists, further enhancing his reputation as one of the game’s greats.
The Elite Company
Malkin’s 1,300 points place him among only 37 players in NHL history to reach this benchmark. He shares this honor with fellow superstars Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin, both of whom are also active players. Notably, Malkin and Ovechkin are the only two Russian-born players to score 500 goals in the NHL, a testament to their dominance in the league since they were drafted first and second overall in the 2004 NHL Draft.
Throughout their careers, Malkin and Ovechkin have redefined what it means to be a Russian player in the NHL. They hold records for the most goals and points scored by Russian players, and both have won prestigious awards, including the Hart Trophy (MVP), Art Ross Trophy (scoring leader), Calder Trophy (top rookie), Conn Smythe Trophy (postseason MVP), and the Stanley Cup.
The Road Ahead
As Malkin continues his journey in the NHL, he is just two goals shy of reaching the 500-goal milestone and four points away from 1,300 points. Only 30 players have achieved the feat of scoring at least 500 goals and accumulating 1,300 points, and Malkin is eager to join Crosby and Ovechkin as the only active members of this elite group.
Despite being overshadowed at times by his contemporaries, Malkin’s contributions to the game cannot be overstated. His omission from the NHL 100 list during the league’s Centennial anniversary sparked discussions about his place in hockey history. Yet, those who have followed his career know the impact he has had on the ice.
Looking to the Future
At 38 years old, Malkin has two seasons remaining on his current contract with the Penguins. He has expressed his desire to continue playing, even hinting at the possibility of a third season, depending on his health and performance. Malkin has made it clear that he cannot envision retiring without experiencing another playoff series with the Penguins, a team that has missed the postseason in the last two years after qualifying for 16 consecutive years during his tenure.
As Malkin continues to chase milestones and contribute to his team’s success, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely. His journey is a testament to dedication, skill, and the enduring spirit of a player who has left an indelible mark on the NHL.