Evgeni Malkin returned to the Pittsburgh Penguins after a month-long absence on Thursday, helping lead them to a 4-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils at PPG Paints Arena. The layoff didn’t seem to negatively affect the Penguins legend, who played 18 minutes and scored a goal in his return.
While Malkin is a center, he understands that Pittsburgh’s lineups have changed in his absence. Accordingly, he revealed a willingness to play a different position if needed, as the team is experimenting with him at left wing.
“I can move to defense, goalie if coach wants it. I don’t care. I just want to play, you know?” Malkin told reporters after the game. “But it’s not easy. I love playing center. It’s like my position.”
Malkin said changing positions at this stage of his career would be difficult after playing center all his life. He said when coaches have tried moving him to wing in the past, he’s naturally gravitated back to center.
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Coach Dan Muse said he’s trying new line combinations and trying to find chemistry with Malkin back in the lineup. He also added that “conversations are being had.”
The Penguins are rolling, having won six straight games and seven of their last eight. Getting Malkin back provides a boost, but they also want to integrate him without disrupting their chemistry and what’s been working for them over the last few weeks.
Regardless, Malkin’s willingness to change positions for the good of the team reflects his leadership ability and being a good teammate.
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Featured image via Charles LeClaire/Imagn Images