Evgeni Malkin didn’t register any points in Monday’s Battle of Pennsylvania, but he still managed to grab plenty of headlines after flipping a puck into the Philadelphia Flyers’ bench. Now, fans are calling it a “scumbag” move.
The Battle of Pennsylvania is very much alive and kicking. The Pittsburgh Penguins won Game 5, and the series is now 3–2 in favor of the Flyers.
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Sidney Crosby’s 100th win
Game 5 was premium playoff hockey—intense and hard-fought. The Penguins kept the series alive with a must-win performance.
“I thought the last couple of games we’ve found our stride a bit, so we should feel good about that. I think with any series, though, you’ve got to get better with every game, and there are still things we can do better,” Sidney Crosby told reporters after the game. Crosby had two assists in the game, which also marked his 100th playoff win.
Evgeni Malkin under fire
Crosby’s longtime teammate Malkin also made headlines and is now facing criticism from fans. Early in the first period, during a break in play, Malkin backhanded a puck into the Flyers’ bench. Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet was furious over the incident, and fans have since called out Malkin online.
“Geno has always been a scumbag,” one fan wrote on X.
“Talk about rat and scumbag hockey—he’s the definition,” another wrote.
“Should be a suspension,” a third added.
Game 6 will be played on Wednesday.
You can watch the incident below.
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