The NHL hosted a Russian language Zoom call between Evgeni Malkin, Dmitry Orlov, and Tampa Bay’s Mikhail Sergachev on Wednesday.

The call was basically The Evgeni Malkin Comedy Hour as Malkin constantly needled his comrades on the Russian National Team who are also his foes in the National Hockey League.

During one particularly humorous snippet of the call, the interviewer reminded the three players that they all are on Eastern Conference teams and face each other a lot. What do you miss the least about facing each other the interviewer asked.

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“I’d rather not praise them too highly,” Malkin joked.

Then he turned serious. “These are players with high hockey intellect,” Malkin said. “Both understand hockey well and skate well. The game has changed a lot lately. Defensemen have become way more mobile and durable, so they can digest big minutes on the ice. I think hockey is progressing in the way of how people skate, and I think Mikhail and Dmitry are very mobile. They play against the best offensive players, other team’s leaders, and of course it’s not easy.

“But I’ve scored on both Washington and Tampa, so…”

Orlov and Sergachev both brought out into laughter.

But Malkin does have a point. He’s scored in two consecutive games against Washington including this highlight-reel goal on February 23.

After shedding Orlov in the neutral zone, Malkin put the puck through John Carlson’s legs and scored short-side on Braden Holty.

Malkin has also scored in his last two games against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

“I blocked two of your shots in OT when we beat you,” Sergachev said.

“Are you saying I forgot to mention you block shots well or not?” Malkin asked.

“It’s just that I was proud of myself at the time,” Sergachev said.

“Have you got any bruises?” Malkin asked.

“Quite a lot as a matter of fact,” Sergachev said.

The three laughed.

During the call, the three Russians were also asked who they thought the best Russian this season has been (Artemi Panarin).

The three players were also asked which teammate they’d prefer to be quarantined with.

“None, to be honest,” Orlov said. “We spend enough time with the teammates.”

“We’re together for nine months,” Malkin said.

When asked who he would not want to quarantine with, Malkin said “the head coach.”

“[My teammates] text me,” Malkin said. “I don’t even read their messages.”

Headline photo courtesy of the NHL