Crosby, Malkin take their games to a new level

Regarded as having an inconsistent playoff run by some NHL pundits, Evgeni Malkin is having the last laugh.

Malkin (21 pts) has quietly recorded 9 points in his last 4 games and is within striking distance of passing teammate Sidney Crosby (22 pts) for the playoff points lead.

Crosby has been the most dominant player in the playoffs and has established himself as the games most complete player.

What Malkin has is unique Lemieux like qualities in his ability to get points during sequences when he is not playing at the top of his game. Whether the Penguins are a better team now than they were in 08 is a hot topic right now.

When you take Marian Hossa, Ryan Malone off your roster, it’s a hard argument but what the Penguins have going for them this year is Malkin, Crosby are playing at a higher level.

Crosby, Malkin a step above the rest?

Sidney Crosby ( 12g-10a-22pts)

Evgeni Malkin (7-14-21pts)

Johan Franzen (9g-9a-18pts)

Henrik Zetterberg (7g-9a-16pts)

Pavel Datsyuk (1g-6a-7pts)

Marian Hossa (4g-3a-7pts)

Martin Havlat (5g-9a-14pts)

Jonathan Toews (6g-6a-12pts)

Patrick Kane (8g-4a-12pts)

Eric Staal (9g-4a-13pts)