Will Sidney Crosby Win the Scoring Title Again this Season?

Jan 27, 2013; Ottawa, ON, CAN; Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin (71) on his way to score the game winner against Ottawa Senators goaltender Craig Anderson (41) (not pictured) during the shoot-out period at Scotiabank Place. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

2. Evgeni Malkin

The Penguins’ second pillar of offensive prowess is also poised to figure into the scoring race this season. After eight dominant NHL seasons that have seen Evgeni Malkin win a Calder trophy, a Stanley Cup, a Conn Smythe trophy, a Hart trophy, a Ted Lindsay trophy, and two scoring titles, the powerful Russian seems to still be given less respect than he deserves in terms of his placement among the game’s all-time best.

While Geno’s statistics slumped slightly last year (he still put up a respectable 72 points in only 60 games), the offseason moves made by the Penguins’ management team should allow Malkin to reclaim his place among the league’s best. With Pittsburgh’s offense transitioning back to a more balanced approach that sees Malkin return to his role as the primary scorer on the second line, his numbers should see a boost that will allow him to claim his fourth 100-point season, and a spot among the top three scorers in the league.