Evgeni Malkin scored the 500th goal of his storied NHL career against the Buffalo Sabres last month. The Pittsburgh Penguins are celebrating the Russian centerman’s milestone feat ahead of their game against the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday.
As part of those celebrations, the Penguins gathered congratulatory videos from former teammates and other players around the league. Alex Ovechkin, one of Malkin’s good friends and the owner of 863 goals, sent in a few words for the big day.
“Hey Geno, congrats on your 500th NHL goal,” Ovechkin said in the video. “It’s huge accomplishment. Welcome to the club. Keep it going. Happy for you, man.”
Malkin became the 48th player in NHL history to hit the 500-goal mark and the fourth active player, joining Ovechkin (863), Sidney Crosby (598), and Steven Stamkos (559). He is only the second Russian player in league history to achieve the milestone, joining Ovechkin, who was the first almost nine years ago on January 10, 2016.
Sidney Crosby assisted on Malkin’s milestone goal, which was fitting. Malkin earned the only assist on Crosby’s 500th goal during the 2021-22 season.
Malkin has since added three more goals this season and sits at 503 career goals coming into Wednesday night’s celebratory game. He is third on the Penguins’ all-time goal list, behind Mario Lemieux (690) and Crosby.
Geno best))
Reminder to get here early tonight for Evgeni Malkin's 500 Goals Pregame Ceremony. Join us: https://t.co/ZXDZtaJEug pic.twitter.com/7RsFox2Alx
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) November 13, 2024
Despite a tumultuous relationship early on in their careers, Ovechkin and Malkin have become close friends as they’ve matured.
Malkin attended the Capitals’ captain’s birthday party and congratulated him after scoring 700 career goals. He also played on the same line as Ovechkin and Ovi Jr. in an Ovi Cup exhibition match this summer.
Congratulations, Geno.
