Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin have been the faces of the Pittsburgh Penguins franchise for over a decade, and they’re both still superstars, among the best players in the league. But they’re not just great at playing hockey; they’re both unique personalities outside the rink. They both share a special bond on the ice and are close friends outside it as well.
They usually share a laugh and chirp with each other and always grab the opportunity to hit the other with a verbal cheap shot. It’s always good fun, but last week, nobody in Pittsburgh laughed as Evgeni Malkin got injured in a game against the Florida Panthers.
And especially since Sidney Crosby was the one accountable for the injury.
Evgeni Malkin had to leave the game as he took a slap shot from Sidney Crosby to the knee. The shot deflected in for the Penguins game-winning goal, but Malkin needed assistance getting off the ice. And many feared he would be out for some time.
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But Evgeni Malkin is already back, and he was in a great mood this weekend. When Malkin met reporters, he joked a lot about how the injury happened and chirped his teammate Crosby hard.
“He say, next time, I shoot harder,” said Malkin with a laugh.
”I mean, I’m lucky it’s Sid’s shot and not like Tanger or Guentz. We know Sid does not shoot so hard.”
Malkin was at least happy that the deflection led to a goal. Maybe it was worth it, despite the pain.
“It’s a goal, I’m so happy. Because if I don’t score, it feels so much worse,” said Malkin.
Evgeni Malkin played Sunday against the Carolina Hurricanes and recorded one assist in 20:17 TOI.
It wasn’t enough for Pittsburgh, however, as they lost to the Canes, 3-2.
