The Pittsburgh Penguins ensured Evgeni Malkin has a memorable warm-up ahead of his 1,000th NHL game, by copying his unique stretching routine ahead of their clash against the Chicago Blackhawks.
Malkin became only the 11th player in Penguins history to reach 1,000 games for the franchise, and is already regarded as a legend by the fanbase despite still being an active player. The centre nicknamed 'Geno' was drafted second overall in the 2004 draft, and has been with the Penguins ever since.
The Russian star is certainly a character, and is known for a very bizarre warm-up on the ice that sees him sprawl out on his back, stretching from side to side. And to mark such a momentous occasion, every single member of the Penguins roster dropped to the deck and copied Malkin on Sunday night.
The Penguins won 5-3 against the Blackhawks on Sunday night, with Malkin grabbing a goal to cap off a historic 1,000th NHL appearance. The Penguins moved 9-7-3 with their victory, in what was their third straight win after a rocky patch of form.
But Sunday night was about more than just another NHL game, as Malkin joined an exclusive club at the Penguins. And after a touching tribute from his team-mates, it produced one of the most bizarre sights in hockey yet.
While the Blackhawks warmed-up conventionally, a whole roster could be seen on their backs with their feet in the air. With every twist and move that Malkin made, they all followed, and he couldn't help but wipe a smile from his face.
The gesture was a complete surprise to Malkin, as it was all planned behind his back. And It was later revealed that the plan was orchestrated by none other than team captain and fellow legendary figure Sidney Crosby.
"Sid went around the plane yesterday and told everybody that’s what we were doing," said forward Brock McGinn during an interview with Dan Potash. "I think everybody enjoyed it."
Malkin has given a lot to the franchise, and it's been a beautiful relationship between player and organisation. Malkin has won three Stanley Cup titles with the Penguins, but they'll need to step up their game if they want to challenge once more.
The Penguins may have extended their winning run to three on Sunday night, but it was a much needed turn of form. Before that, the Penguins had lost nine of their last 11 NHL games, beating only the Washington Capitals and the Toronto Maple Leafs in that time.
The Penguins are stuck in the middle of the Metropolitan Division, with second and fifth separated by just two points. However, no one can catch the New Jersey Devils on current form, as they're on an unbelievable 12 winning streak.
