Malkin vs. Crosby; Who’s the Penguins leader?

Things went from bad to worse as the slumping Penguins fell down to the 9th spot in the East.  They simply couldn’t stop the bleeding.  They kept competetive but they just couldn’t find the net with any consistancy and the 6 game slide starting in December threatened to be an endless trend as the list of injuries continued to grow.  Sure, the Pens were fighting the injury bug all season and were able to pull through it, but it really was just a matter of time before it was bound to catch up with them.  Things really started to look, dare I say, hopeless. During a team skate several days ago, the Pens locker room discussed their situation.  They knew where they were in the standings.  They knew some of their stars weren’t returning to the lineup any time soon.  Simply put put, they needed someone to step up.  They needed a leader.  And that someone has been #71 Evgeni Malkin.  The man has been on absolute beast during the Pens recent 3 game win streak, registering 5 goals, 2 assists,...