Evgeni Malkin: We aren't afraid of Detroit

Evgeni Malkin, Sidney Crosby and Sergei Gonchar
pose with the Prince of Wales Trophy

After the Penguins Penguins defeated the Carolina Hurricanes and advanced to the Stanley Cup final, Evgeni Malkin talked to a Russian newspaper and shared the secret of his points-production increase while also stating that the Penguins aren't afraid of Detroit in the finals.

- The game was pretty calm. We wanted to win right here and right now to get more rest before the final.

- How did you manage to get penalized twice in the first period?
- Tough question. In the first case I used my hand after I lost the stick. I was panic-stricken, didn't know what to do. In the second one everyone was pushing each other but it was me who got a penalty. I didn't even understand why.

- Could you imagine before the series that you will sweep Carolina?
- Looking at the score you might think it was easy, right? Well, we capitalized our chances in the attack and our goalie was solid. That's why we won the games with quite a margin.

- You are going to face Detroit in the final, just as a year ago.
- We are already acquainted with Detroit, they've got only a few changes in the roster. We are eager to fight for the Stanley Cup. I think this time it will be different. We aren't afraid of Detroit, we must win.

- In previous series with Washington you didn't score much. The media even started to criticize you…
- Thank God, I don't read American newspapers! I lost my game in the quarterfinal and played more in the defense. But then the coach changed the lines uniting me with Talbot and Fedotenko. We started playing different game, I became more confident, scored a goal and then it really started working out. In the series against Carolina there was inspiration that just condescended to me.

Translated by Malkin-71.net