Evgeni Malkin: Goal of the Year Candidate vs. Tampa Bay (VIDEO)

So spectacular was Evgeni Malkin's end-to-end goal from last Saturday, that it's worth a second look, or even a third. 

Up 5-1 and thumping the listless Tampa Bay Lightning in Pittsburgh, Evgeni Malkin unleashed this dandy for those in attendance and watching at home.

(Video on next slide)

Malkin's carving was his second goal and third point in the game. He would finish with four points on the day. He and now sits with 78 points on the season, two more than Steven Stamkos, who was held scoreless in that same game.

Malkin would add another goal with 6:18 left in the third period to complete the hat trick, his second hat trick against Tampa this season and the ninth of his career.

Chants of 'MVP' came pouring down along with hats from the Penguins faithful assembled at the Consol Energy Center.

The Penguins eventually defeated the Lightning 8-1.

Midway through the second period Malkin was involved in a minor altercation with Tampa goalie Dwayne Roloson after driving to the net - seeming to spark Malkin for the game's final 30 minutes.

Eight minutes later Malkin received a pass in the far corner from teammate Matt Niskanen and scored from a difficult angle for his first tally. The Penguins' center was seen staring down Roloson after that goal.

Malkin has 11 points in three match ups with the Lightning this season. 

Ryan O'Leary is a researcher and writer for Bleacher Report's Video Production Department with seven years experience in the sports industry. Ryan covered the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Hockey Tournament with CTV and the 2011 IIHF World Championships with the NBC Sports Channel. He was also a member of NBC's 2008 Olympic Coverage in Beijing. Ryan resides in Connecticut and supports the Pittsburgh Penguins, San Francisco Giants and San Francisco 49ers from afar. Ryan received his bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Missouri and Master's of Sports Management from West Virginia University.

Malkin Goal (VIDEO)

Malkin beats four Tampa Bay Lightning before beating Roloson. Thanks to the NHL for the video.