Evgeni Malkin displayed plenty of emotion before even taking the ice Sunday night for the 1000th game of his career.
The longtime Penguins center was brought to tears in the dressing room as his son, Nikita, read the team’s starting lineup.
Is it getting dusty in the Penguins locker room? ???? pic.twitter.com/m2WAfLyrCB
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) November 21, 2022
The pair, both in tears, shared a long embrace afterward as the players and coaches cheered.
Malkin then went out and scored the team’s second goal en route to a 5-3 win over the Blackhawks in Chicago.
And with the final goal of the game, here's our points recap:
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) November 21, 2022
Crosby 1G-3A
Rakell 1G-1A
Letang 2A
McGinn 1G
Malkin 1G
Carter 1G
Poehling 1A
Joseph 1A
Pettersson 1A
Guentzel 1A pic.twitter.com/1PLdcJkFbn
Malkin, 36, made his debut in 2006 and became a cornerstone for a team that has won three Stanley Cup titles during his 17-year career.
He has scored 452 goals and added 714 assists, including eight goals and 12 assists this season, and claimed the Art Ross Trophy for leading the NHL in scoring during the 2008-09 and 2011-12 seasons.
He also has won the Ted Lindsay Award (2011-12), Hart Memorial Trophy (2011-12) and Conn Smythe Trophy (2008-09), as well as the Calder Trophy for being the league’s top rookie in 2006-07.
Earlier tonight, Evgeni Malkin's son Nikita surprised his dad in Chicago and read the Penguins' starting lineup to a room for of smiles (and a few tears) ???? pic.twitter.com/MVOQBe4isl
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) November 21, 2022
Malkin expressed appreciation for his teammates and family after the milestone game.
The man of the day: Evgeni Malkin ????#Ma1Kin milestone and victory in Chicago makes for the 'perfect night': https://t.co/Zadpc06W4U pic.twitter.com/4H0gEQlYFQ
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) November 21, 2022
Also after the game, Malkin was presented the team’s player of the game helmet for his accomplishment.
Malkin: "I want to say thank you, everyone. It's a very emotional night for me. Thank you, Sid. Score goals... It's a special night, but I want a special year. Let's go, guys."#Ma1Kin pic.twitter.com/PVMrVQWocy
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) November 21, 2022
