PITTSBURGH – Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin struggled through the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs because of a sprained ankle, a time he didn't deposit in his memory bank.
"I don't remember," Malkin said Saturday. "That was last year. I'm looking to a new season."
Malkin is focused on the upcoming season, when he and Penguins captain Sidney Crosby, headline an offense expected to reemerge as one of the NHL's most potent after a disappointing output through last season's final month. Pittsburgh attempted to rectify its offensive issues by adding five-time 30-goal scorer Phil Kessel to its top-six forwards. They also added forwards Eric Fehr and Nick Bonino for depth.
"[Kessel is] a power for us. I think everyone is excited here," Malkin said. "He's a good player. I'm excited to play with him. It doesn't matter which line he plays on. We're still one team. It's great for the team and I hope he's a help to us."