Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin has emerged as one of the league’s top performers as the 2025-26 NHL season unfolds.

Hot Start to the Season

Malkin kicked off the season with an impressive performance, contributing two assists in the Penguins’ decisive 3-0 victory over the New York Rangers. He has continued to shine, accumulating two goals and nine points over the first six games. Notably, he was held scoreless only once, during a challenging matchup against the Rangers where the Penguins suffered a 6-1 defeat.

Building Chemistry

On the ice, Malkin has been instrumental in driving the Penguins’ offense, showcasing strong chemistry with teammates Anthony Mantha and Justin Brazeau. Initially seen as a temporary placeholder due to injuries, Brazeau’s impressive start has solidified his place alongside Malkin.

Climbing the All-Time Scoring List

Malkin has recently ascended to 28th on the NHL’s all-time scoring list, surpassing Brendan Shanahan with a total of 1,355 points. He is now just 15 points away from overtaking Johnny Bucyk for the 27th spot.

Upcoming Challenges

This week presents Malkin with several opportunities to build on his strong start. The Penguins are set to face the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday, the Florida Panthers on Thursday, and the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday. Malkin boasts an impressive record against these teams, including 13 goals and 30 points in 24 games against the Canucks, 19 goals and 52 points in 48 games against the Panthers, and 19 goals and 49 points in 40 games against the Blue Jackets.

Looking Ahead

As the week unfolds, fans will be eager to see how Malkin continues to perform and whether he can further solidify his legacy as one of the greatest players in Penguins history.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.

James Thornton brings over a decade of sports journalism experience to 21Sports.com. Known for his razor-sharp analysis and passion for the game, James has covered everything from Super Bowls to the Olympics. His deep knowledge of football and ability to break down complex strategies make his articles a must-read for any sports fan. Off the field, James is an avid golfer who enjoys exploring new courses on the weekends.