It may be a team sport but the addition of the most prolific scorer in the world back into the Penguins lineup in the last two games has made all of the difference in the world. Even when a game like tonight is taken into account where Evgeni Malkin was held off the score sheet, his presence was felt in helping the Penguins score 5 goals against the Ducks. The way the opposing team has to consider line matchups and defensive posture completely changes when he is on or off the ice. This change surely opens play for other lines to score as well. Even a player such as Chris Bourque, who has been little more than a shadow on the ice this season, played with noticeable desire this evening. He was creating passing lanes as seen on his near breakaway attempt and caused havoc on the opposing team while they struggled to clear their own zone. Malkin really is the star that forces everyone around him to play on the next level. He is the Lemieux and the whole team is his Robbie Brown.
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