NHL: Malkin the hat trick hero as Penguins crush Tampa Bay

Pittsburg Russian forward Yevgeny Malkin scored three of his team’s eight goals, including a contender for goal of the season, in the impressive victory against Tampa Bay Lightning.

This was Malkin’s ninth career hat trick, and third this season. This was also his second hat trick against the Lightning this year, taking his overall goal tally to eight in four matches against them.

In 54 NHL’s regular season games the Russian star has earned 77 (36+41) points so far, making him the league’s current top scorer.