More than 20% of careers are canceled due to injury
Only eight Russians have played 1000 games in regular NHL championships: Alexey Kovalev (1316), Sergey Gonchar (1301), Alexander Ovechkin (1294), Sergey Fedorov (1248), Vyacheslav Kozlov (1182), Alexey Zhitnik (1085) , Sergey Zubov (1068) and now here is Evgeni Malkin (1000).
In fact, Gino could have played even more games, and he would have ended up somewhere behind Ovechkin, who arrived in the NHL a year earlier. But Malkin’s big problem is that injuries have plagued him throughout his career. If you count like that, he only played two full 82-match championships – in 2007-2009.
If you make a layout for each season, then Malkin missed up to 259 games (4 + 0 + 0 + 15 + 39 + 7 + 17 + 22 + 13 + 25 + 20 + 4 + 14 + 14 + 23 +41+1). If we didn’t make a mistake anywhere, because even Evgeny himself would get confused in his hospital record. That’s more than three full championships divided by 82.
Of course, no one can go through all the seasons without missing games at 36. Otherwise, he would have been called Iron Man, but that title now belongs to Phil Kessel, who has played 1,000 games in a row. Malkin could have had 1259 encounters and would have ranked fourth among the Russians.
However, 20.5% of the career was canceled due to health issues. At the same time, Gino managed to win three Stanley Cups, won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable hockey player in the playoffs, and among Russians he leads in points (180) in cup matches , ahead of Fedorov (176), Nikita Kucherov (154), Ovechkin (141) and Zubov (117), not to mention the rest.
Now the World Cup is on, which is broadcast on . Even at the World Hockey Championship in 2012, when Malkin played like a god, becoming the top scorer and the most valuable player in the winning tournament, I compared him to Diego Maradona – for the role he played for the team.
Malkin did not score with his hand, did not lead an immoral life, did not shoot journalists with a gun (although he probably wanted to sometimes). But when Evgeny came out on the ice in the light of Jupiters, he created such ingenious things that it was simply breathtaking.
Nikita Malkin announced the composition
Sunday evening began with a touching scene, when Nikita Malkin, the son of the hero of the day, entered the Pittsburgh locker room to announce the roster. The child read the names, not forgetting about his father: “Evgeny Malkin, No. 71.” Nikita even cried with excitement, and Zhenya hugged him, and we couldn’t think of a more poignant moment.
https://t.me/hockey_match/11623
If we talk about the game, Pittsburgh led 3-0 in the 25th minute. However, “Chicago” introduced intrigue and scored three comeback pucks. But the score of 3:3 was broken by Sidney Crosby, as the captain should be – he did everything to ensure that his friend’s vacation was not ruined. Sid scored himself, then assisted Jeff Carter to score.
“Good memories for me and my family,” Malkin said after the game. – An evening rich in emotions. I hope to stay here for the rest of my life. Amazing team and organization. I hope this year will be special for me. Games like this only happen once or twice in a lifetime. Lots of emotions and thoughts. During the whole match, I only thought about the fact that we needed a victory.
Crosby had one goal and three assists, while goaltender Casey DeSmit made 29 saves. Pittsburgh have gone from strength to strength and won five of their last seven games.
Pittsburgh Coach: We know it’s a special night for Malkin
That night, Malkin himself scored. He made it 2-0 in the 23rd minute when he topped Arvid Söderblom with a well-timed pass on Chicago’s goal.
“I think that means a lot to him,” Pittsburgh head coach Mike Sullivan said. “This step is a great success. There aren’t many players in this league who have managed to make 1,000 appearances, let alone play 1,000 games for a team.
We all know what Gino means to Pittsburgh, to this organization and to the legacy he created. I know this is a special night for him. His family was there to celebrate with him, which is great. It makes the experience even more memorable. Besides, we won.
By the way, Sullivan made a very correct remark – Malkin spent 1000 games for one club, which is even more valuable. If we take a career in exactly one team, then Gino is behind only Ovechkin (1294). And in Pittsburgh history, only Crosby (1127) is ahead of him. Two legends whose paths crossed at a happy time for Pence fans.
Incidentally, Crosby is fine now. He scored 10 (3+7) points on the Penguins road trip.
“Obviously the numbers speak for themselves,” Sullivan said. Sid was awesome. He has the ability to step up his game at key moments. In many cases, this is the deciding factor. You saw what he did at the end of that game. Here’s what he’s capable of.
What to wish Malkin on this day? First, stay healthy. When there are no injuries, then Gino is one of the best hockey players in the world even now. Our Russian Maradona. Second, Pittsburgh again has everything to go after the Stanley Cup.
Four silver balls in the NHL have yet to be lifted by any of the Russians. Zhenya, it’s time to become a pioneer here!
Source : MatchTV
I am Sandra Jackson, a journalist and content creator with extensive experience in the news industry. I have been working in the news media for over five years. During this time, I have worked as an author and editor at various outlets producing high-quality content that attracts readers from different demographics.
