Mike Rupp, a former Stanley Cup champion, has drawn parallels between Evgeni Malkin’s playoff dominance and Connor McDavid’s recent exceptional performances. Speaking on the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/hockey/nhl/”>NHL Network, Rupp highlighted Malkin’s competitive intensity, especially during the 2009 playoffs, while emphasizing McDavid’s status as the best player in the world today. This comparison underscores Malkin’s lasting impact in NHL history as he prepares for his 20th season in 2025-26.
Mike Rupp Reflects on Malkin’s Fierce Competitiveness and Playoff Excellence
Despite Sidney Crosby often receiving the spotlight in Pittsburgh, Mike Rupp emphasized that Evgeni Malkin’s career has been equally remarkable. Rupp reminisced about a 2009 summer practice shortly after the Penguins‘ first Stanley Cup win in the Crosby-Malkin-Letang era, recalling an incident where Malkin knocked him down during a drill. This moment demonstrated Malkin’s relentless desire to win and dominate on the ice.
“He’s a fierce competitor… that’s what makes these guys great. They’re talented, but, man, they want it, right?” Rupp said. “I remember a quick little story of Gino… So, they win the Cup in ’09. And I signed that summer. We’re doing summer skates where it’s just pretty much the guys out there.”
—Mike Rupp, Former NHL Player
Malkin later apologized to Rupp after the practice incident, showing respect but also highlighting his drive to outwork opponents at every moment. Rupp pointed out that this mindset is a key factor behind Malkin’s success over two decades.
“But the point being is, like, that he came up to me after, ‘I’m sorry.’ You know, he’s apologizing, but he just wants to win. He wants to dominate every time he can.” Rupp said.
—Mike Rupp, Former NHL Player
Comparing Two Generations of Playoff Dominance
Rupp compared Malkin’s 2009 playoff performance, where he tallied 36 points in 24 games and earned the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP, to the current era of Connor McDavid. McDavid’s back-to-back playoff runs with over 30 points each have redefined modern dominance in the NHL playoffs.
“But I’ve never seen, even probably to right now, a more dominant performance in the ’09 playoffs,” said Rupp, who was with the New Jersey Devils that year. “We’re seeing what Connor is doing right now, and it’s, in all due respect, he’s the best player in the world. Gino kind of did something similar to that a while ago.”
—Mike Rupp, Former NHL Player
“When this guy was high-stepping out there, he was dominant. He physically can dominate. And man, he was a force out there,” Rupp added.
—Mike Rupp, Former NHL Player
Rupp’s insights place Malkin’s peak playoff run alongside McDavid’s breathtaking current performances, showing the level of impact both have had during their prime playoff appearances.
Malkin’s Enduring Status Among the NHL’s Elite Despite Crosby’s Spotlight
Evgeni Malkin continues to contribute significantly as he ages, recently surpassing 1,300 career points and becoming the first Russian-born player to deliver more than 800 assists. He has also entered the elite 500-goal club while remaining a key player for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
While Crosby is often the public face of the team, Malkin’s accomplishments are equally impressive. The three-time Stanley Cup champion and Hart Trophy winner has reached 100 points in a season three times, a testament to his sustained excellence and impact on the league.
Rupp’s remarks about Malkin’s intensity and ability highlight why many regard him as one of the NHL’s all-time greats, whose career success extends well beyond what casual fans might typically recognize.