The Pittsburgh Penguins were defeated in embarrassing fashion in a recent contest against the Dallas Stars, losing by a score of 6-1. The team gave up those six goals in the first half and never recovered.

After a game like that, the Penguins know they have to answer for it. Fortunately, their veteran leadership took responsibility and blame in stride. Following the loss, alternate captain and future Hall of Fame center Evgeni Malkin apologized to the organization’s fans for his actions.

“We had a good meeting today with everyone,” Malkin said after a recent practice. “We need to play better at home. Like last night, I want to apologize to the fans. They saw a really bad game. I hope that together we find our way, win tomorrow and start building the team better.”

While the Penguins have been struggling, the same can’t be said for Malkin. In fact, the opposite should be said. genoas it’s probably the biggest and best surprise in Pittsburgh this year. The 38-year-old forward remains a top goal scorer in the NHL in his 19th season despite one year prediction that will begin to decline. In the first 17 games, he has five goals and 13 assists for 18 points to lead the Pens in scoring.

This season figures to be another level on Malkin’s Hall of Fame resume. He has already played 1,162 games and recently joined the 500 goal club this season. He currently ranks 36th on the NHL’s all-time scoring list with 1,314 career points.

The Penguins need to find a way to match the production and determination that Malkin still brings as a grizzled veteran. The team is in seventh place in the Metropolitan Division with a 6-9-2 record in 17 games. They’re just two points ahead of the last-place Columbus Blue Jackets, but based on their recent play, the Pens could have a hold on the division’s cellar at the end of the season.

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