What's wrong with Malkin?

[Dipsy Doodle]

63 pt pace isn't bad for a 38 year old second line centre.

It is bad for Malkin tho especially since his defensive game is invisible.

What center of any age is putting up points at that pace with wingers of that quality?

 

[thethirdhockeyman91]

He’s old as f***

 

[Luigi Lemieux]

Start of a decline? He had 67 points last year, his decline started awhile ago.

His last truly elite level of play was 19-20, when he had 74 points in 55 games. Hasn't been the same since the covid break. Was mostly a ppg-ish player until last year when he dropped to 67 points. This year he'll probably get about 60. I think he gets about 50-60 next year in the last year of his contract and retires.

 

[iCanada]

He's got a major case of being incredibly old.

 

[Beauner]

still think he is traded at the deadline to Dallas

Why?

 

[PaulD]

Late 30s
Nothing to play for in years.
AHL linemates.

 

[filinski77]

What center of any age is putting up points at that pace with wingers of that quality?

Agreed.

63-64 points would be the 12th highest point total that a 38 year old has ever put up lol.

 

[Luigi Lemieux]

Agreed.

63-64 points would be the 12th highest point total that a 38 year old has ever put up lol.

I don't think people realize how steep the decline is in your late 30s. The average age of retirement from the NHL is only 28, players are routinely pushed out of the league for not being able to keep up long before 38. To last in the league this long and still be productive is an accomplishment itself.

 

[SomeDude]

He’s just gearing up for the stretch run.

 

[Randyne]

with a -13

4-5 of them it's Sid's minuses
The most funny minus was in game vs VAN. Sid made bad pass in the offensive zone and immediately ran to the bench, Malkin stepped on the ice and got minus instantly.

 

[Rodgerwilco]

He’s just gearing up for the stretch run.

 

[zenator]

Nothing wrong with Malkin except that Father Time is undefeated.

 

[banks]

Motivation and linemates have always had a strong effect on Malkin.

He likes to step up when needed, like playoffs or when Crosby is out. But he also gets bummed out like during Covid with empty arenas.

And he loves playing with certain players, but has had trouble with others. That's why he traditionally got the skilled wingers, while Sid made do with whoever else the Pens had.

So he now has nothing to play for, as the team is blowing the season again, and he's with dismal linemates. Pretty clear what the problem is. And it's compounded now by age.

 

[Duffy13]

It really is incredible how little "coaching" the coach actually does.

It's almost like he is the benefactor of generational talents and right time right place. Not saying he isn't a decent coach, but he's as much of the problem with this team right now than any other reason.