Evgeni Malkin, Jake Guentzel thriving as linemates for Penguins

This has gone on for more than a decade.

Since the mid-2000s, the Pittsburgh Penguins have brought in wingers with scoring acumen in hopes they immediately will mesh with their franchise center.

But in many cases, those 20- or 30-goal scorers have found success with the No. 2 center — who also happens to be a franchise center.

First, it was Petr Sykora. Former Penguins general manager Ray Shero signed him in the 2007 offseason feeling he could complement Sidney Crosby. Ultimately, he enjoyed two productive seasons that ended in a Stanley Cup Final playing alongside Evgeni Malkin.

In 2010, Shero traded for James Neal in hopes he could offer Crosby a true sniper. A Crosby concussion led to Neal finding a home on Malkin’s right wing, an assignment that turned him into a 40-goal scorer.

Chris Kunitz always worked well with Crosby. But when Crosby’s concussion woes sidelined him for an extended absence, Kunitz lined up next to Malkin and was a vital component to the Russian superstar’s signature 2011-12 season that saw him win the Hart Memorial Trophy, Ted Lindsay Award and the Art Ross Trophy.

One of the biggest trades in franchise history occurred in the lockout-shortened 2012-13 season and was geared toward reuniting Crosby with his Canadian linemate from the 2010 Olympics, Jarome Iginla. But Crosby suffered a broken jaw in the same game Iginla made his Penguins debut. That led to Iginla primarily playing on Malkin’s line during his brief but unappetizing tenure in Pittsburgh.

Phil Kessel? Rutherford wanted him to play on Sidney Crosby’s line, but he ended up finding more success with Malkin before Malkin’s elbow injury led to the formation of the famous HBK line with Nick Bonino and Carl Hagelin.

Crosby’s latest ailment has led to another winger finding a home on Malkin’s line.

Jake Guentzel.

With the Penguins’ captain convalescing following surgery to repair a core muscle injury, Guentzel has lined up on the left wing with Malkin and Brian Rust for most of the eight games Crosby has missed.

Despite having been teammates for parts of four seasons, Guentzel playing with Malkin at even strength has been a fairly infrequent occurrence until this recent stretch.

According to Natural Stat Trick, Guentzel has logged 106 minutes, 19 seconds of common five-on-five ice time with Malkin this season. That’s more than double the 46:43 they logged last season.

Their most prolific effort took place in Wednesday’s wild 8-6 comeback win at home against the Vancouver Canucks. Malkin (five points) and Guentzel (four points) each matched single-game career-high point totals while playing vital roles in the comeback.

Guentzel had two goals Wednesday, including the game’s first goal on a “quick draw” faceoff play Malkin had ample success with during his time with Neal.

Guentzel professes a rudimentary approach to playing with Malkin.

“He’s one of the best players in the world,” Guentzel said. “Just the way he’s playing right now, it’s special to see and be a part of it. You just want to give him the puck as much as you can.”

In the seven games he played with Guentzel as his primary left winger this season, Malkin has produced an ample 12 points (four goals, eight assists). In comparison, his other seven games, which featured Alex Galchenyuk or Jared McCann as his main wingers on the port side, produced seven points (two goals, five assists).

So, what happens when Crosby returns? What will determine which line Guentzel plays on?

“We fight,” Malkin deadpanned after Wednesday’s game.

The Penguins will cross that bridge when they get to it. For the time being, Malkin wants to enjoy what he has found with Guentzel and Rust.

“Confidence is huge right now,” Malkin said. “(Guentzel), Rust, they help me so much right now. Two great players. We just enjoy it. We know we’re leaders. We can play to help the team to win every game.”

Note: The Penguins canceled Thursday’s practice. They will face the Columbus Blue Jackets on the road at Nationwide Arena on Friday, 7:08 p.m.

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