Evgeni Malkin gives real thoughts on team while Crosby thinks positive

The Pittsburgh Penguins have played some of their best hockey recently showing that it was possible all along to string together a playoff spot this year.

Unfortunately for the team, it took until game 81 to realize their potential as they put together one of the best overall games against the Nashville Predators. The top guys like Crosby and Malkin are producing and finally the depth on the team like Reilly Smith and Lars Eller are playing the type of hockey that was expected of them.

The Penguins did speak optimistically on Monday night after the game, knowing full well what is needed for them to make the playoffs.

One player, Evgeni Malkin, who has been on a hot streak since the trade deadline, scoring 17 points (8G, 9A) in 20 games, gives his thoughts on the Penguins current situation.






Captain Sidney Crosby is still leading by example, diving to knock the puck into the net to give the Penguins the first goal in the game against Nashville.



But now, the captain is looking for help from elsewhere.


One unlikely hero in the most recent run is Alex Nedeljkovic, who in the last 12 games has helped the Penguins get points in 11 of them.

He looked like he was back on his game against Nashville stopping 28 of 30 shots, especially when Nashville came out in the second firing on all cylinders.


Tonight, the Penguins will have to wait and watch to see what their fate will be. The team and the fans will be cheering for the Montreal Canadians and the Philadelphia Flyers (almost had trouble writing that...) tonight as they take on the Detroit Red Wings and Washington Capitals respectfully.



As Read On: Pittsburgh Hockey Now -
Penguins Room: Malkin Speaks Blunt Truth, Crosby Hope