On Malkin making his push for NHL points lead; Crosby contract negotiations in July & more buzz

Evgeni Malkin (15G-21A-36PTS) is making his push for the NHL points lead and is playing the best hockey of his career since the 2008-2009 season. Malkin's 5 point game Saturday night, that included his first hat trick of the season, moves him three points of tying Claude Giroux (16G-23A-39PTS) and Phil Kessel (19G-20A-39PTS) for the NHL points lead.

Of the top 30 goal scorers in the NHL, Malkin has played the least amount of games with 26 and is second in the NHL in points per game, averaging 1.38 points per game.

Malkin is living up to his reputation of stepping up his game when Sidney Crosby is out of the lineup. Since Crosby has been out of the lineup (Dec 8.), Malkin has a five game points streak, collecting 5 goals and 7 assists for 12 points during that span. Malkin’s game though started to take off when Crosby initially returned on November 21. In his last 13 games dating back to Nov 21., Malkin has 10 goals, 12 assists and has posted 8 multi-point games during that span.

Malkin in his art-ross trophy season, averaged 1.38 points per game and he’s back at that level. If he continues at this pace, Malkin not only might take home his second Art Ross Trophy, but he will get himself in the Hart Trophy consideration.