http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/
Monday, November 8, 2010
PITTSBURGH - OCTOBER 13: Evgeni Malkin skates with the puck against the Toronto Maple Leafs on October 13, 2010 at Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh. (Getty Images)The Penguins have plenty of issues only five weeks into the season, some of which would easily be overcome if only Evgeni Malkin could rediscover his goal-scoring touch.
Malkin only has four goals this season and, since the Penguins won the Stanley Cup 17 months ago in Detroit, has statistically regressed as a goal scorer. If and when Malkin becomes the dynamic player who dominated the league in his first three seasons, the Penguins will clearly be a better team.
"I know it's coming," Malkin said.
He made that prediction following Friday's 3-2 loss in Anaheim and, true to his word, Malkin lit the lamp 24 hours later in Phoenix in a vintage way, snapping a bad angle shot over goalie Ilya Bryzgalov. It was a goal scorer's goal, the kind of shot only the most skilled players can execute.
Penguins coach Dan Bylsma would love to see more of that style from Malkin. On his goal Saturday in Phoenix, he busted to the net, outworked the Coyotes' defense and let his talent take over.
"Attacking, going to the cage and maybe getting that dirty rebound goal," Bylsma said of what he'd like to see more of from Malkin. "And being that kind of player."
Malkin's entire game has not regressed. He still possesses the undeniable ability to skate circles around the opposition and remains an elite playmaker.
His lack of goal scoring is directly attributable to the team's disappointing power-play work.
In Malkin's first four NHL seasons, he scored 60 power-play goals. He was quite consistent in those seasons, scoring between 13 and 17 power-play goals in each of those seasons. This year, Malkin has zero power-play goals.
Bylsma wants Malkin to be more assertive when the Penguins are on the man advantage and wants his to showcase a "shooter's mentality."
"He passed that up many times (against Anaheim)," Bylsma said. "He had five shots in that game and I feel like he could have had 10."
Bylsma made it clear that Malkin's work ethic hasn't been an issue. In fact, Malkin worked hard in the defensive zone during the recent road trip and doggedly drew penalties.
Working hard and still getting off a fair number of shots is a combination Bylsma wants to see Malkin produce.
"He's working real hard right now," Bylsma said. "He's working hard to beat individuals (but) not taking the opportunity in space to shoot the puck."
In every aspect of the game, the old "shoot the puck" cry of Penguins' fans is something Bylsma would like Malkin to consider.
At 24, it's not like Malkin is past his goal-scoring prime. The more he looks to score, the Penguins figure, the more he will score.
"I would like to see him take that puck to the net," Bylsma said. "Even in situations down low, having the mindset where you're going to shoot it."
There is often a perception that Malkin easily gets down on himself during slumps, and whether or not that is true, the star made it clear that he is attempting to remain optimistic.
Perhaps for the first time this season, Malkin looked more himself against Phoenix. He was dominant at times while carrying the puck, which is an asset that never has left Malkin's game.
The goal he scored is what the Penguins hope is a sign of things to come. Malkin feels much the same.
"I'm staying focused and positive," Malkin said. "I'm just staying positive and hopeful."
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