A historic event occurred in Pittsburgh’s game with the Rangers, which ended 3-2 in favor of the Penguins. Malkin scored his historic point in the 35th minute, with the most accurate shot, “flashing” compatriot goalkeeper Igor Shesterkin. Gino, as Eugene is called in North America, has 1179 (455 goals + 724 assists) points. Formally, Fedorov ranks higher due to the higher number of goals scored (483+696), but there is no doubt that the 36-year-old Malkin will soon reach a clear second place.
Only Washington captain Alexander Ovechkin is ahead with 1446 (800 + 646) points, and he otherwise still seems out of reach. Among Malkin’s closest pursuers from the current players, Tampa forward Nikita Kucherov – 663 (258 + 405) points and Rangers leader Artemy Panarin – 609 (195 + 414) points.
Meanwhile, it looks like the regiment of star Russian goalies who play in the NHL have arrived. More and more whists are being won by the goalkeeper, “Carolina” Peter Kochetkov. In the 4-1 win over New Jersey, he saved 37 shots and was named the first star of the game. This is Kochetkov’s fifth consecutive victory. In addition, he went on a ten game losing streak in regulation time, tying the club record. If we take the performance of rookie goaltenders in all of NHL history, then Kochetkov has the sixth longest streak. The first place belongs to Jimmy Howard, who in the 2009/2010 season, speaking for Detroit, was undefeated in regulation time in 15 straight games.
What is important, Kochetkov wins sympathy and is purely human. After the New Jersey game, he gave his first live interview. And though his English wasn’t perfect, the heartfelt emotions of Peter, who let out a yell of victory before leaving, are priceless.
