Evgeni Malkin, at the age of 39, is defying Father Time and reminding us why he's considered one of hockey's greats! He's currently enjoying a stellar start to the season, leading the Pittsburgh Penguins in scoring with an impressive 22 points in just 18 games. He even topped the NHL in assists until recently, showcasing his enduring skill. This run is a true testament to Malkin's legacy and his continued importance to a Penguins team vying for a top spot in the Eastern Conference.
This past weekend, the NHL Global Series brought the Penguins and the Nashville Predators to the Avicii Arena in Stockholm, Sweden. The contrast between the two teams was stark: Pittsburgh, a strong contender in the East, versus Nashville, struggling near the bottom of the West.
Malkin fittingly kicked off the scoring in the 2025 Global Series in a rather unusual and memorable fashion. At 13:49 of the second period, with only Pittsburgh's second shot of the frame, he circled behind the net and sent a soft wrist shot towards the crease. The puck deflected off Michael McCarron's stick, ricocheted off Juuse Saros, and found its way into the net.
Evgeni Malkin has the first goal of the #2025GlobalSeries in Stockholm! #LetsGoPens
pic.twitter.com/5vH8erguvCSee AlsoColorado Avalanche's 9th Straight Win: Wedgewood's Shutout Highlights | NHL Highlights 2025Cooley Hat Trick Highlights: Utah Mammoth Crush Golden Knights 5-1!NHL Injury Updates: Josi's Return, Matthews' Status, & More - November 2025Brad Lambert's Trade Request: What's Next for the Winnipeg Jets Prospect?— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) November 14, 2025
This goal was Malkin's fourth of the season and the 518th of his NHL career, which tied him with Dale Hawerchuk for 40th on the all-time goals list. Moreover, at 39 years and 106 days old, Malkin became the oldest player to score a regular-season goal outside of North America, surpassing Rob Blake's record from the 2007 Premiere Series in London.
But here's where it gets controversial... Unfortunately for the Penguins, that was their only goal of the game. Nashville's Filip Forsberg tied the game late in the third period, and Steven Stamkos scored in overtime to secure a 2-1 victory for the Predators, ending their five-game losing streak.
STEVEN STAMKOS WINS IT IN OVERTIME FOR THE PREDS 🚨 pic.twitter.com/4GnlLSh8lX
— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) November 14, 2025
And this is the part most people miss... This wasn't the first time Malkin scored for the Penguins in Sweden. Seventeen years prior, on October 4 during the 2008 Premiere Series, he scored in the same arena against the Ottawa Senators. That night, he intercepted Christoph Schubert, skated in alone, and scored a backhand goal while shorthanded. Tyler Kennedy then scored the overtime winner for Pittsburgh, a role reversal from the recent game.
Two goals, 17 years apart, in the same building on the other side of the world. These moments highlight Malkin's longevity, his continued impact, and why we should cherish watching this all-time great while we still can.
The outcome of the recent game might not have been what Pittsburgh hoped for, but the overall performance was still encouraging. The upcoming rematch with Nashville in Sweden promises to be even more exciting. The Global Series adds a special atmosphere, and both teams demonstrated their potential when playing with confidence. This sets the stage for another intense and competitive international matchup.
What do you think? Does Malkin's continued success surprise you? Are you impressed by his longevity? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
