The debate raged on the internet this weekend: who knows the better career between Evgeni Malkin and Patrick Kane?
Netizens debated, but one of the two main stakeholders decided to get involved. In response to a post on the allhockeyculture Instagram account, Malkin concluded that Kane deserved the awards.
“88,” wrote the 36-year-old Russian simply.
So far in his National Hockey League (NHL) career, Kane has recorded 451 goals and 786 assists for 1,237 points in 1,180 games. The 34-year-old American won three Stanley Cups, a Conn-Smythe, an Art-Ross, a Hart, a Ted-Lindsay and the Calder in his rookie year of 2007-2008.
The first-ever pick of the 2007 draft also has a gold medal at the World Junior Championships and a silver medal at the Olympics in his tally.
Now for the highlights of Malkin’s career. The Pittsburgh Penguins veteran also has three Stanley Cups to his credit. He has won the Art-Ross Trophy twice, plus the Ted-Lindsay, Hart and Conn-Smythe once. Like Kane, he was crowned league rookie on his first assignment in the world’s top ice hockey league.
Over the course of his career, the centerer hit 471 goals and provided 758 assists for 1,090 points in 1,063 games. At the international level, Malkin has notably won junior gold and twice won the senior world championship.