Penguins' Malkin 'can play better' if he finds confidence
Evgeni Malkin is one of the game's best players and he knows he can perform better than he has been for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the postseason.
“I feel pretty good, but I can play better,” Malkin said. “I need more confidence. Shoot the puck more, play with the puck, work hard and the goals and points will come.”
He's been held scoreless in this postseason thus far and only recently returned to the Penguins' lineup after dealing with an undisclosed injury.
“Physically, I’m good,” Malkin said. “My body is ready to play against good defensemen. The Rangers are a tough team, but I feel I’m ready.”
The 28-year-old forward is one of the game's elite players and has recorded 702 points in 587 regular season games and another 111 points in 98 playoff games.
Malkin thinks that despite a poor finish in the regular season and being dealt the toughest opponent in the Eastern Conference to start the playoffs, his team can overcome the odds.
“We came back home with the series tied,” he said. “I said it before, I believe in this group. I believe in my team. I like what we’re doing right now. We’re a tight team and locker room.”
In order for the Penguins to take down the powerhouse Rangers, Malkin will need to contribute in the points column.