Russian hockey star Evgeni Malkin named NHL's MVP
June 22, 2012
Evgeni Malkin was named the Most Valuable Player in the American's National Hockey League. The Russian hockey player is currently hitting the ice as the center offensive player for the Pittsburgh Penguins. The AFP reports he scored 50 goals this season, a career-high for the 25-year-old skater. Malkin was not only one of the players chosen for the NHL All-Star games, but he has also returned to Russia to compete with the national team in world tournaments.
Malkin was the number one choice for 144 of 149 media panel judges. This earned him 1,473 points and a clear victory over the second place choice Steven Stamkos of the Tampa Bay Rays (598 points), according to the AFP. Stamkos was the top scorer in the NHL this season, with 60 goals, but Malkin's performance on the ice put him ahead.
This is the first time Malkin has been awarded the Hart Trophy for MVP, but not his first rodeo when it came to receiving awards. The Voice indicates Malkin was named the MVP of the 2012 World Ice Hockey Championships in Helsinki and Stockholm.
"Malkin's performance throughout the season showed that he remains one of the best players in the NHL and the world," Russian player-turned-coach Alexander Yakushev told The Voice of Russia. "This is something that he proved when playing as part of Russia's national team during the 2012 World Championship. He added significantly to our team's victory at the tournament and his performance should be an example to look up to by his teammates and amateur players in Russia and beyond."
Those who want to discuss Malkin's latest achievements with their friends can make calls to Russia with international phone cards. Malkin is also expected to compete for Russia in the 2014 Winter Olympics.