Malkin

[Metallian*]

The only reason Malkin is outscoring Ovechkin from last year is because the RSL isn't full of NHL superstars. Untill he plays against the best men in the world on a constant basis and dominates them, he is a budding superstar.He can't even dominate his own age group at the WJC. Tosay he's the next mario is laughable.(sombody said that around here along with jack johnson being the next bobby orr ). his goal scoring is nowhere near ovechkins.and his vision doesn't even come close to crosbys.if you were to put crosby in the wjc's next year he will be 19, same age as malkin and i would be shocked if he didn't dominate the tourney in scoring.

Malkin has outscored Ovechkin at the same age, before the NHLers invaded the RSL, so your theory is invalid

 

[Jaded-Fan]

yes. malkin actually tries to play defense and is pretty darn good at it.

Not an entirely fair criticism of Mario. When he wanted to, Mario could be one of the very best forewards in the league defensively. He showed it in the playoffs at times. Trouble was that 'when he wanted to' part. It never happened during the regular season and only now and then during the playoffs. But the skill set was there.

 

[Siberian]

I can not google back that far, but at the time Malkin made his decision to stay in the RSL, everyone from him, to his coach, to Pens officials, to RSL officials, to Russian hockey media and on and on said that he would definately be in a Pens uniform next year. Recently all have said the same (Malkin talking about how 'his' team is not having success this year and how he hopes to help next year, and his also mentioning competing for the Calder next year). With all that smoke, it is obvious that the fire is that a deal was worked out before the season started. Malkin would give one more year to his hometown then be allowed to pursue his NHL career. Is some money involved from the Pens? Maybe, but that seems to have already been worked out behind the scenes.

Yes, he will be there, but only if there is financial settlement for Magnitka. There is no way they will give out such a talent for free. I know NHL prohibited to do that but to me but instead of signing washed-up Gonchar who will never be the same after Ovechkin clocked him, they should have given the annual salary to Metallurg and Malkin would have made this team much better even without Gonchar.

 

[Jaded-Fan]

Yes, he will be there, but only if there is financial settlement for Magnitka. There is no way they will give out such a talent for free. I know NHL prohibited to do that but to me but instead of signing washed-up Gonchar who will never be the same after Ovechkin clocked him, they should have given the annual salary to Metallurg and Malkin would have made this team much better even without Gonchar.

Again, reading between the lines (which admittedly is an iffy proposal), I do not think that there was a dollar amount that could have brought Malkin this year. He truly wanted to play one more year for his home town, and seems to feel that he owed them that. He seems pretty responsible and level headed in that and the money did not mean everthing to him, some things mean more. I can respect that. But it is also obvious that once this year ends he will move on, that obligation will have been paid. Again, maybe there will be money from the Pens, I get the impression though that has been all worked out already the way everyone has talked from both sides. All are on the same page.

Recent example from a HF interview last week:

HF: Are you aware of how the Penguins are playing this year, aware of their struggles? Will we see you there next season?

EM: I haven’t seen any games at all, because they are played very late at night. The results are translated to me. I know it is a very young team, being built around (Sidney) Crosby. I know they have been losing games by only one and two goals. I am looking forward to playing there next year and I think it will be a much better team as time goes by.

http://www.hockeysfuture.com/article.php?sid=8174&mode=threaded&order=0

 

[Siberian]

Again, reading between the lines (which admittedly is an iffy proposal), I do not think that there was a dollar amount that could have brought Malkin this year. He truly wanted to play one more year for his home town, and seems to feel that he owed them that. He seems pretty responsible and level headed in that and the money did not mean everthing to him, some things mean more. I can respect that. But it is also obvious that once this year ends he will move on, that obligation will have been paid. Again, maybe there will be money from the Pens, I get the impression though that has been all worked out already the way everyone has talked from both sides. All are on the same page.

I think most of this information is just part of the NHL hype they are bulding around certain players. For some reason nowhere is mentined the fact that Malkin just bought a faurly expensive house near Magnitogorsk. If this was so simple and Malkin is destined to play in Pittsburgh next year then why the new house? If Penguins paid for Malkin Malkin surely would have been playing in NHL this year, I guarantee it, it is all about money now, has nothing to do with the thing he wanted to play one more year for home town.

 

[Metallian*]

Maybe the house is for his family?
Maybe he wants a house for the offseason back home?


Fact is though, he wants to play in the NHL next year.

 

[KariyaIsGod*]

You have gotta be kidding me. Watch highlights of WJC: Malkin has unbelievable playmaking skills, if you are so sure that Crosby is ahead of Malkin then you know nothing about Malkin. But I think you know nothing about him and just make blind statements because this is what Canadian media told you. If you put Crosby into Malkin's situation he will never be able to dominate as Malkin does, never. It seems you also know nothing about the Superleague and in the Superleague nobody dominated the game as Malkin does and Superleague has seen a lot of players who are considered superstars in NHL: Heatley, Kovalcuk, Lecavaliers, Ovechkin, Kovalev etc.

Malkin made some pretty plays in the WJC. Hell, he made some pretty plays in the RSL. Crosby makes pretty plays in the NHL. That's a huge step up from anythign Malkin has done despite your incredible Russian bias.

I make statements because I've seen the two guys play and it is my opinion that Crosby is the superior playmaker.

As for NHL stars in the Superleague... They sure gave it 100% didn't they?

You know what... CLearly, judging from your responses, the Superleague is the best league in the world anyway and Malkin is a hybrid of Wayne Gretzky + Mario Lemieux with an extra pinch of talent so this discussion is entirely pointless... You've made up your mind and for you there's no seeing past the Russian flag covering your computer screen.

 

[Siberian]

Malkin made some pretty plays in the WJC. Hell, he made some pretty plays in the RSL. Crosby makes pretty plays in the NHL. That's a huge step up from anythign Malkin has done despite your incredible Russian bias.

I make statements because I've seen the two guys play and it is my opinion that Crosby is the superior playmaker.

As for NHL stars in the Superleague... They sure gave it 100% didn't they?

You know what... CLearly, judging from your responses, the Superleague is the best league in the world anyway and Malkin is a hybrid of Wayne Gretzky + Mario Lemieux with an extra pinch of talent so this discussion is entirely pointless... You've made up your mind and for you there's no seeing past the Russian flag covering your computer screen.

Well if for you hockey skills are about "pretty plays" then I am withdrawing from arguing with you.

 

[Metallian*]

Malkin made some pretty plays in the WJC. Hell, he made some pretty plays in the RSL. Crosby makes pretty plays in the NHL. That's a huge step up from anythign Malkin has done despite your incredible Russian bias.

I make statements because I've seen the two guys play and it is my opinion that Crosby is the superior playmaker.

As for NHL stars in the Superleague... They sure gave it 100% didn't they?

You know what... CLearly, judging from your responses, the Superleague is the best league in the world anyway and Malkin is a hybrid of Wayne Gretzky + Mario Lemieux with an extra pinch of talent so this discussion is entirely pointless... You've made up your mind and for you there's no seeing past the Russian flag covering your computer screen.

The only one biased here is you.

If you think that Crosby would do this well in the RSL then you're lying to yourself.

 

[jmelm]

malkin is highly overrated on these boards.i've seen him play many times.no way would he get crosby's no1 centre spot.i guess malkin would be named pittsburgh's captian too??? malkin isn't in ovechkins league either.he's a budding superstar but not like crosby and ovechkin.these 2 will fight for art ross trophy's for many years to come.malkin will be a sundin type.IMO.

He's a way better playmaker than Sundin could ever dream of being.

Time will tell where he will stand in relation to Crosby, Ovechkin and others, but the thing about Malkin that I don't think you realize is that he is not nearly as "flashy" a player as Crosby or Ovechkin; ie his talent level is not as obvious when you see him play -- it's more subtle.

But that doesn't mean anything: look at Adam Oates and Ron Francis, 2 guys whose talent was not at all obvious to see at first glance, yet they had sensational careers. Malkin has what they have, in addition to the obvious talent level and physical dominance of a big guy like Sundin or Lecavalier.

 

[Metallian*]

He's a way better playmaker than Sundin could ever dream of being.

Time will tell where he will stand in relation to Crosby, Ovechkin and others, but the thing about Malkin that I don't think you realize is that he is not nearly as "flashy" a player as Crosby or Ovechkin; ie his talent level is not as obvious when you see him play -- it's more subtle.

But that doesn't mean anything: look at Adam Oates and Ron Francis, 2 guys whose talent was not at all obvious to see at first glance, yet they had sensational careers. Malkin has what they have, in addition to the obvious talent level and physical dominance of a big guy like Sundin or Lecavalier.

A+

 

[Jaded-Fan]

He's a way better playmaker than Sundin could ever dream of being.

Time will tell where he will stand in relation to Crosby, Ovechkin and others, but the thing about Malkin that I don't think you realize is that he is not nearly as "flashy" a player as Crosby or Ovechkin; ie his talent level is not as obvious when you see him play -- it's more subtle.

But that doesn't mean anything: look at Adam Oates and Ron Francis, 2 guys whose talent was not at all obvious to see at first glance, yet they had sensational careers. Malkin has what they have, in addition to the obvious talent level and physical dominance of a big guy like Sundin or Lecavalier.

I have heard the Francis comparison before. Even more often I hear LeCavilier. It really seems that those three, Crosby, AO and Malkin all are living up to the individual reps and potentials each had going into their draft years. Malkin was always seen as the playmaker and more complete player, AO the flashier sniper, though AO could obviously make plays, Malkin can obviously score. That said, Malkin is currently at a disadvantage in comparison to the other two. He still needs to prove it in the NHL as the others have. I have few doubts that he will, but right now if forced to choose I would choose one of AO or Crosby over him, bird in the hand sort of thing. Never the less, needless to say I am very excited about the idea of him in a Pens Jersey next year. In fact when I wear a Jersey to the Pens' games (I go to about 2/3 of the home ones) I wear a Malkin Jersey, not a Crosby one.

 

[PACaptain]

Wow, I have heard that Malkin is very impressive and I cannot wait to see him in Pittsburgh. The comparision that I have heard that I think makes the most sense of a current NHL player is Mats Sundin. I have only seen him play once so I am no expert but that's what I saw. I like his edge and his leadership. We in Pittsburgh remember the last time we had two elite centers like Crosby and Malkin hopefully will develop into, they were named Ron Francis and Mario Lemieux. I would say that worked out pretty well for us.

 

[Metallian*]

Wow, I have heard that Malkin is very impressive and I cannot wait to see him in Pittsburgh. The comparision that I have heard that I think makes the most sense of a current NHL player is Mats Sundin. I have only seen him play once so I am no expert but that's what I saw. I like his edge and his leadership. We in Pittsburgh remember the last time we had two elite centers like Crosby and Malkin hopefully will develop into, they were named Ron Francis and Mario Lemieux. I would say that worked out pretty well for us.

Think Mats Sundin style of play, but with Jagrish point production

 

[jmelm]

Think Mats Sundin style of play, but with Jagrish point production

I actually disagree. I think, besides maybe Lemieux, the player Malkin resembles more than anyone else is Jason Spezza.

 

[#66]

I actually disagree. I think, besides maybe Lemieux, the player Malkin resembles more than anyone else is Jason Spezza.

I'll go with a mix of Sundin and Spezza. Sundin when he was with Quebec was alot thinner, faster and more gracefull than he is now. Plus he controls the endboards like Sundin can and plays that all around style like him. I also think that he uses his reach a little bit better than Spezza does. Plus, like you've said, he passes better than Sundin and thats Spezza-like. IMO his sense in all zones is better than both players and thats a huge part of what makes him so good. He almost always makes the right play with and without the puck.

 

[KariyaIsGod*]

Well if for you hockey skills are about "pretty plays" then I am withdrawing from arguing with you.

You are the one who started with the "unbelievable plays" at the WJC argument in favor of Malkin...

The only one biased here is you.

If you think that Crosby would do this well in the RSL then you're lying to yourself.

Let's see. Crosby is doing just as good in a tougher league. Or are you going to contend that the RSL is better than the NHL?

 

[lisario]

I think most of this information is just part of the NHL hype they are bulding around certain players. For some reason nowhere is mentined the fact that Malkin just bought a faurly expensive house near Magnitogorsk. If this was so simple and Malkin is destined to play in Pittsburgh next year then why the new house? If Penguins paid for Malkin Malkin surely would have been playing in NHL this year, I guarantee it, it is all about money now, has nothing to do with the thing he wanted to play one more year for home town.

Malkin didn't buy the dacha, Metallurg Mg bought it for him. If memory serves me, it was right about when he made the decision to stay in Russia, the house was worth 350k.

 

[tsar]

Crosby makes pretty plays in the NHL.

and he olny has 5 fifty goal scorers playing along his side prove your point... Tough .. very tough...

 

[KariyaIsGod*]

and he olny has 5 fifty goal scorers playing along his side prove your point... Tough .. very tough...

The Penguins play 6 players at a time?

Does that include the goalie?

 

[67Cup]

For what it's worth, Anders Hedberg just said on TSN that Malkin was the best player at the tournament, "by far."

For those who don't remember him, he was a superstar in the old WHA and then played with NYR. He is now the Director of Player Personnel of the Sens.

 

[deandebean]

He resembles Lemieux according to Dave King who was Canada U-20 coach in 1982-1984 (if I remember correctly) and right know is a head coach of Metallurg Mg. You can find his interviews translated at Pittsburgh board.

King didn't want anything to do with Lemieux.

 

[deandebean]

He isnt a budding superstar, he is currently a superstar at 19. He is better than Ovechkin at some thing and worse at others... yet overall to help your team win both right now and in the future, Malkin is the better player than Ovechkin.

He's currently a superstar where? In Latvia?

 

[deandebean]

That's not neccessarily true.
Fact is.......last year, an 18 year old Malkin put up better numbers (in an NHL stacked RSL) than Ovechkin did at 18 (when NHLers weren't playing).



Have you seen Malkin play at the WJC yet? Or are you just going by stats?
From everything I've read and heard, nobody's been in the same stratosphere as him.



I wouldn't say that at all. Obviously, he's not quite as good in those select areas as AO and SC, but he brings more to the table in other areas. I've seen Malkin play regularly the last 2 years (on-line), and I think he really does have the highest ceiling of all 3 players.

BTW, I have no reason to be biased..I'm not a homer Canadian or Russian.

Actually, Peter Forsberg was pretty sick at the Juniors.

 

[deandebean]

The only one biased here is you.

If you think that Crosby would do this well in the RSL then you're lying to yourself.

The RSL is that strong of a league? It couldn't be: they have Dave King as a coach.