Early in his rookie season, October 24, 2006, to be exact, Evgeni Malkin scored an absolutely dazzling goal against New Jersey. One aptly described as “shades of Mario.”
Thrusting into the Devils’ zone like a dagger, Geno turned a defenseman to mush, went forehand-to-backhand while turning his entire body around and beat Hall-of-Fame goalie Martin Brodeur like Mike Lange’s rented mule.
An electric goal. A harbinger, not only of Malkin’s own Hall-of-Fame career to follow, but the Penguins’ dramatic rise from doormats to Stanley Cup champions as well.