Evgeni Malkin recently became a three-time Stanley Cup champion, and he sees no reason why that number can’t be four.
The Russian, who led the 2017 postseason in both points and penalty minutes, didn’t hold back when sharing his thoughts on if he believes the Penguins can capture a third consecutive Stanley Cup.
Pittsburgh’s core has for the most part stayed intact, however it has lost a few key pieces. Veteran center and three-time Stanley Cup champ Matt Cullen is one of the most notable losses, as he decided to take his talents back to his home state of Minnesota. The other one is fellow center Nick Bonino, who inked a four-year $16.4 million contract with the Nashville Predators during free-agent frenzy.
The Penguins didn’t let all of their free agents walk though, as they inked breakout defenceman Justin Schultz to a three-year $16.5 million deal. Some of the younger players who Malkin may have been referring to include Jake Guentzel (no surprise there), 2015, and 46th overall pick Daniel Sprong, to name a few.
Justin K. Aller/Getty Images
The fact is that any team will have a shot at the cup if Sidney Crosby, Malkin, Phil Kessel, Kris Letang, Schultz, and goaltender Matt Murray are leading the way.
Do you think they’ll make it three in a row?
(H/T r/Hockey)
