Evgeni Malkin: main rival? Alexander the Great!

Evgeni Malkin and Alexander Ovechkin are rivals
for the MVP

Evgeni Malkin talks about his main rivals for the MVP title, his living at Gonchar's house, the reasons why the Penguins are playing well this season and if he and Crosby are competitors or friends.

- You are leading the scoring race; have you ever given a thought about winning Art Ross?
- Why not? I will do my best; Art Ross is a very prestigious trophy. I'm in good shape and the whole team is on fire, that's why we manage to get so many points. I hope this will continue in the future.

- Whom do you consider as your main rival?
- What do you mean whom? Alexander the Great (laughs). In other words, Ovechkin. And, of course, my teammate Sidney Crosby.

- What do you think about all these ‘Malkin – MVP' talkings?
- You are looking too far. Should I finish this season without injuries and then I can hope for some serious trophy. I've got chances; I always try to be useful for my team. My rivals for the MVP title are the same: Ovechkin and Crosby. Maybe someone other will show up during the season.

- How would you play against yourself, should you be in your opponents' shoes?
- Nah, it's not gonna work! If I tell you now, then somebody will read it and I will regret about this all season long! Let's keep it in secret (smiles).

- How would you describe your relations with Crosby? Could you be called friends or competitors?
- Me and Sid are competitors? No way! In the game against Buffalo he scored 2 goals after my passes, the next game he set up my 2 goals. We are playing in the same team!

- Do you think he is happy that you are leading in the scoring race and being ahead of him?
- To be honest, I didn't ask (laughs). But I think he isn't against.

- But Crosby hates loosing and he likely wants to be the first.
- Maybe he'll be the first – the season isn't over yet - only a quarter has passed. My aim is to score even more points.

- Evgeni, aren't you surprised by the excellent start?
- No, I've spent my summer training with Sergei Gonchar in St.Petersbourgh, I've gained a fantastic shape and now I'm getting the results. My game is doing well.

- By the way, how is Gonchar?
- Sergei feels much better; he's already giving some loading to his injured hand. I hope to see him on the ice soon. With Gonchar's return Pittsburgh will look even more stronger.

- Do you still live at his house?
- Yes, I still live there. But I'm moving in a month. I've bought my own house recently; I just need to buy some furniture to make my house look not deserted.

- Are you going to live alone?
- Why alone? My mother and sister are coming soon. All in all, I've got someone to cook. I'm not going to starve to death, that's for sure (laughs).

- Back to hockey, the other day you've scored a hat-trick against the Islanders.
- Yes, hat-tricks are rare, but Sid gave me such 2 great passes that everyone could score. I was shooting an almost empty net. When I scored my 3rd goal the Islanders have already pulled the goalie so I had to not to miss the empty net (smiles).

- The Penguins' roster has changed much during the offseason, but nevertheless your team is doing well. What's the reason?
- Well, we've got hold of good guys, especially Miroslav Satan and Ruslan Fedotenko, who managed to replace the ones who had left. The reliable goalie Sabourine was resigned, he is doing well in Fleury's absence. The main thing is that we've saved our core – Crosby, Fleury, Gonchar.

Translated by Malkin-71.net