Malkin excited to face Crosby in World Cup tuneup

It will be an interesting reunion in Pittsburgh on Wednesday.

The Consol Energy Center will see Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin take the ice as opponents rather than teammates, as Russia and Canada conclude their World Cup exhibition schedule.

"I think it's going to be fun," Malkin said, according to Wes Crosby of NHL.com. "We actually play against Sid, against Canada. It's an amazing time here. I'm excited. (It will be) the first time I've played on the different bench, on the guest bench. It's weird, but I don't know how the fans feel. But I hope they support us."

Malkin - who's gone pointless through the first two exhibition games - also mentioned how he expects chatter on the ice between the two to be minimal, which would be a rare change of pace for the 30-year-old.

"Not much," Malkin said. "Sid talks too much every game. He talks too quick for me. Actually, when he's mad, I don't understand. But he's funny."

Through the first two games of exhibition play, Russia and Canada each have a win and a loss to their credit.