1. Evgeni Malkin is on a tear
After missing over 20 games last season due to injury, everyone knew Evgeni Malkin would be hungry coming into the 2014-15 season, especially considering the embarrassing manner in which the Pens were ousted from the playoffs once the big Russian did return.
Through the first 10 games of the season, Malkin has delivered.
Geno has managed to get on the scoreboard in every game of the season thus far, amassing 15 points during his league-leading streak. Much of that success is due to the powerplay, as Malkin’s 5 powerplay goals lead the NHL as well.
Malkin has been magnificent to this point, but there still seems to be another level he can reach. As soon as he starts seeing more shots go in at even strength, Geno could be poised to re-join the 100-point club and net the fourth triple-digit season of his career.