Malkin collects 500th career goal
Evgeni Malkin joined Sidney Crosby in the milestone-achieving department, notching his 500th career goal against the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday night.
The entire Penguins team came out to celebrate with Malkin after he buried his own rebound in the third period.
Malkin is the 48th NHL player to reach the 500-goal mark. He achieved it in his 1,150th game.
"For the first time probably, I want to say I'm proud of myself," Malkin said, according to team reporter Michelle Crechiolo. "It's a great number for me. I'm from a small hometown in Russia, Magnitogorsk. First guy who's done this and second Russian. I work hardy every day, and people probably don't understand that sometimes it's not easy for me. But it's a great story, Sid pass to me. ... It's amazing, I love it."
Malkin admitted he'd been in his own head about scoring his 500th career goal and had pressure from friends and family to hit the milestone at home, according to Crechiolo.
The 38-year-old has spent all 18-plus seasons with the Penguins, who drafted him second overall in 2004.
Malkin added three assists in the Penguins' 6-5 win over the Sabres. He's registered two tallies and nine helpers in five games this season.
Crosby became the 10th player in league history to post 1,600 points earlier in the contest.