Sidney Crosby sat in his locker stall about 15 feet away from where Evgeni Malkin was holding court with the assembled throng of reporters. With a calm, somewhat bemused look on his face, he soaked in the moment as he watched Malkin bask in the spotlight. Wednesday, Malkin scored his 500th career goal, and Crosby became just the 10th player in NHL history to score 1600 points.
Both received ceremonial milestone pucks. And they helped the Pittsburgh Penguins rally from a 3-1 and 5-4 deficit to beat the Buffalo Sabres in overtime, 6-5 at PPG Paints Arena. In an end befitting a Disney movie with a rising score, Crosby scored the game-winner in overtime, using his signature drop to one knee to deflect the puck into the net.
Because the Penguins got the happy water of two points, they could relax after the game and enjoy the type of milestone night we may never see again. Malkin became just the second Russian-born player to score 500 goals ( Alex Ovechkin ), and the momentous occasion was not lost on him. And he had some of his customary humor to go with it.
“My parents sent me my message. It’s not easy, and it’s a long way to score 500, but I’m glad to do it tonight. Finally, now I’m more relaxed and calmer,” said Malkin.
“But for the first time, I want to say something about myself: I’m proud of myself. It’s a really great number for me. From my hometown in Russia, Magnitigursk .
.. and the second Russian (to score 500).
“I work hard. Everyday people probably .
