The Sports Xchange
Malkin’s 50th goal puts exclamation point on MVP bid
Everyone went home happy at Consol Energy Center on Saturday.
Everyone but the Philadelphia Flyers, that is.
The Pittsburgh Penguins finally beat the Flyers in their new building but more significantly, center Evgeni Malkin scored his 50th goal of the season to punctuate his brilliant campaign as the Penguins handled the Flyers, 4-2.
Malkin will win the scoring title after compiling 50 goals, 59 assists and 109 points in his masterpiece this season. It will be his second Art Ross Trophy. Malkin is considered the heavy favorite to win the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP.
The moment Penguins’ fans were waiting for came with 12 second remaining in the second period. Malkin received a pass from defenseman Kris Letang, made a move at the blue line and buried a wrist shot past Philadelphia goalie Sergei Bobrovsky.
Malkin’s previous career-high goal total was 47.
He received a lengthy standing ovation following the goal, as chants of “MVP,” which have become common in recent weeks, sent Malkin to the dressing room following the second period.
Malkin added an assist on left wing Chris Kunitz’s goal.
The Penguins and Malkin will return to the ice likely on Wednesday when they open the postseason against the Flyers at Consol Energy Center.
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