Hockey Notebook: Malkin could use an assist
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Evgeni Malkin skates with the puck during Russia's 2-1 loss to Slovakia Thursday.
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VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- Evgeni Malkin, solo artist?
That is how he has looked for most of Russia's first two games, and through no apparent fault of his own: Malkin has skated feverishly since the first faceoff, at times bowling through teammates and opponents alike to win loose pucks. But there has been no more than scant indication that he is clicking with linemates Ilya Kovalchuk and Maxim Afinogenov.
On one level, that should be little surprise despite the compelling assembly of names: Kovalchuk's passing is not a strong suit, certainly not compared to his shooting, and many of his shots have been blocked. He has been the target of most of Malkin's passes, with little reciprocation. Afinogenov always has been known more for his speed than hands, and there has been little chemistry.
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Malkin's overall numbers are decent -- goal, assist and 11 shots -- but there were times in the 2-1 shootout loss to Slovakia late Thursday that he skated an entire shift without touching the puck, and followers of the Penguins know how rare that is.
Malkin has maintained that he is happy with his line -- "These are good players, and we spent some time together in Russia," he said, referring to the national team's brief camp last summer -- but do not be surprised if coach Slava Bykov makes a change before the game Sunday against the Czech Republic.
One possibility could be to move Pavel Datsyuk, who looks just as isolated on the top line with Washington teammates Alexander Ovechkin and Alexander Semin, with Malkin.
U.S. coach Ron Wilson already had made known that Ryan Miller will start all of the Americans' games in goal, barring something "unusual," and Canada coach Mike Babcock took a similar step by announcing Friday that Martin Brodeur will face the U.S. on Sunday.
First Published February 20, 2010 12:00 am
