Evgeni Malkin shuts down retirement talk after strong performance as Pittsburgh Penguins demolish Oilers

Evgeni Malkin scored a breakaway goal against his former teammate Thursday night, stripped the puck from Connor McDavid to set up the play, and looked every bit like a player who belongs in the NHL for years to come.The Penguins cruised past Edmonton 6-2 in a statement win that extended their winning streak to three games and improved their record to 10-2-2 since the holiday break. Pittsburgh now sits in second place in the Metropolitan Division with 25-14-11, firmly in playoff position after a rough stretch earlier in the season.When a reporter noted after the game that Malkin doesn't look like someone preparing to retire anytime soon, the 39-year-old had a quick response. "I never say I want to, you know, it's all you," Malkin said. "But again I feel great, and again, like how we play, it's always fun to win."Malkin's performance Thursday showcased the skill and hockey sense that made him one of the game's elite centers for nearly two decades. He poked the puck away from McDavid at the Pittsburgh blue line despite being at the end of a 1:21 shift, then raced down ice on a breakaway and beat Tristan Jarry with a backhand through the pads.The goal made it 5-1 and effectively ended any hope of an Edmonton comeback. Malkin also assisted on Rickard Rakell's goal earlier in the second period, threading a pass from behind the net through traffic to set up the finish.The reporter pressed further, suggesting Malkin's legs look as good as they have in quite some time. "I don't know; it's hard to say, but I hope that you see," Malkin said. "I mean, it's not easy. I mean, but again, I try to do my best because I know I won't play like I won't play for many more years."Malkin's message was clear even through the language barrier. He knows his time is limited, but that reality only drives him to prove he still belongs at the NHL level. The veteran’s passion was visible as he explained, "You know, I want to show, like, I see a great player."He continued, "You know, I want to see like I want to see everybody see like I can't play next year. You know, it's my goal right now." Malkin has made it clear that he is enjoying his time playing alongside his teammates as the Russian and longtime linemate Sidney Crosby look to finally break their playoff drought.He singled out his linemates Tommy Novak and Egor Chinakhov for praise, highlighting how the unit has clicked in recent games. "I think we have a great team," Malkin continued. "Just stay same level. We have a chance to win every game." With the Penguins in great form, they look forward to their upcoming games.