CHICAGO (AP) — Pittsburgh forward Evgeni Malkin played in his 1,000th NHL game on Sunday night at Chicago, becoming the eleventh player to succeed in the milestone with the Penguins.
Malkin made his debut with Pittsburgh on Oct. 18, 2006, scoring within the second period of a 2-1 loss to Latest Jersey. The middle helped the Penguins to Stanley Cup titles in 2009, 2016 and 2017.
Malkin’s teammates paid tribute to his accomplishment by doing his usual stretching routine during pregame warmups. The Blackhawks also recognized Malkin’s 1,000th game on their overhead videoboard through the first period, drawing an enormous cheer from the United Center crowd.
“We marvel sometimes at what he’s in a position to accomplish on the ice,” coach Mike Sullivan said. “He’s considered one of the more dominant players in our league when he’s at his best, and we have seen him at his highest through among the Stanley Cup runs.”
The 36-year-old Malkin entered the matchup with the Blackhawks with a six-game point streak. He has seven goals and 12 assists in 18 games this season.
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It looked as if Malkin was going to try free agency for the primary time last summer. But he decided to remain in Pittsburgh for a four-year contract value $6.1 million annually.
Now he joins teammate Sidney Crosby because the only players with 1,000 games for the Penguins.
“He’s been just such an enormous a part of the Penguins’ success that they’ve had here in his time here,” Sullivan said.
Going into Sunday night’s game, Malkin had 451 goals and 714 assists in 17 NHL seasons. He also has 67 goals and 113 assists in 177 playoff appearances.
Malkin is the thirty second lively player and No. 373 overall with 1,000 profession games. He’s the eighth Russian-born player to succeed in the milestone.
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