Mad World
Evgeni Malkin is so good...
By Mark Madden

The tradition of the best hockey player in the world plying his trade in Pittsburgh has played out in fairly linear fashion since 1984. Mario Lemieux was followed by Jaromir Jagr, then the baton got passed back to Mario and then to Sidney Crosby.

Now - with all due respect to Washington's Alexander Ovechkin - the globe's best hockey player still resides in Pittsburgh. There seems little doubt.

Any doubt, in fact, revolves around who it is.

Crosby has been out with a bum ankle, but he's obviously still in the discussion. Turning said discussion into spirited debate is Evgeni Malkin. Malkin had 13 goals and 19 assists in the Penguins' first 18 games sans Sid, helping them claim 24 of a possible 36 points in the process. Maybe Malkin felt he had to carry the Pens in Crosby's absence. Maybe he was buoyed by a visit by his parents. The chemistry he enjoys with linemates Ryan Malone and Petr Sykora is an obvious factor. But why ask why? No matter the catalyst, Malkin has stepped up. The betting here is that he won't slow down.

So who is better, Crosby or Malkin?

I'll say Crosby. His watchword is "consistent." He consistently gets points. He consistently elevates his teammates. He consistently plays goal line to goal line. He consistently gives 110 percent. He is consistently a physical presence. He consistently comes through in the clutch. Malkin does everything Crosby does, just not as consistently. Malkin is a better finisher than Crosby, Crosby a better passer than Malkin. Crosby is a better leader for several reasons, not least his command of English.

To remain en fuego, Malkin must stay at center, not play on Crosby's wing. Malkin is much better in the middle. Getting a legitimate scorer like Marian Hossa for Crosby's wing was thus a necessity, not a luxury.

The Penguins may have the top two players in the NHL. Does it really matter which is best?

And now, some Evgeni Malkin "fun facts." Trade 'em with your friends!