Malkin Ready to Face Ovechkin as Rivalry Heats Up

CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin announced he is ready to return for Saturday’s highly anticipated matchup against the Washington Capitals after recovering from a lower-body injury that sidelined him for six games. This game marks both teams’ return from the NHL’s 4 Nations Face-Off break.

Malkin revealed he had recently spent time with Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin while vacationing in Miami. Their friendship is notable given their fierce on-ice rivalry over the years. Malkin noted, “We had dinner in Miami. I saw him, we talked a little bit, and he just wanted to relax. I tried to ask him about goals, but he doesn’t want to talk too much. He wants to just enjoy it.”

Ovechkin enters the game just 16 goals away from surpassing Wayne Gretzky for the NHL’s all-time goals record, while Malkin expressed confidence that Ovechkin will reach this milestone soon. “Maybe not this year, but 100 percent next year,” Malkin said. “He’s my best friend. I hope no injuries to him.”

Malkin’s last appearance on the ice was on January 25, when he suffered a knee injury in a game against the Seattle Kraken. “Before the MRI, you’re nervous so much,” Malkin recalled. “I’m glad after the MRI, they said it’s just two or three weeks. I breathed better after.” He is expected to make a significant impact for the Penguins as they push for a playoff spot, sitting just outside the second wild card position in the Eastern Conference.

Throughout the season, Malkin has struggled with consistency, recording 34 points (9 goals, 25 assists) thus far. However, he remains hopeful about turning his performance around, stating, “It’s connected to each other. When Washington plays well, Ovechkin plays well also. I do not feel great about my season and the team’s season, but still, it’s not over. We have 25 games left. Everything can change quickly.”

Malkin also touched upon his desire to compete for Russia in international hockey tournaments, a goal complicated by the recent banning of Russian athletes due to geopolitical tensions. “I hope Russia is back to their international play too,” he said. “I want to play for the national team.”

The Penguins and Capitals rivalry has intensified over the years, trailing their competitive history. The two sides will rekindle this fierce rivalry on Saturday at PPG Paints Arena, and both Malkin and Ovechkin will be key players to watch.