Evgeni Malkin's Goal of the Year Candidate Against the Tampa Bay Lightning

Evgeni Malkin of the Pittsburgh Penguins has elevated his game to a higher level this season. This is partially because Sidney Crosby has missed the majority of the season with a concussion and neck injury.

Malkin has led the Penguins all year and will continue to do so into the postseason.

Malkin finished today's game with a hat trick, along with an assist against the Tampa Bay Lightning. 

He now currently leads the NHL in points with 77. The Russian forward is also second in goals with 36.

However, Malkin's 35th will enter the list of goal of the year candidates. Continue to the next slide to see the stick magic.

Malkin Dangles Through the Lightning Defence

Prepare to watch one of the best goals of the year as Evgeni Malkin dangles through the Tampa Bay Lightning defence.

Malkin is surely something special to the Pittsburgh Penguins.