As great as Evgeni Malkin had been throughout the playoffs, he's admitted that he's struggled in the Cup finals. That said, last night was the perfect time to break out of the funk he may have been in.

Malkin showed another step last night, out-muscling his oppponents and winning the battles to the puck. In the end, it payed off. Last night was a game that will become an instant classic. Down 3-2 in the final seconds, the Penguins were able to tie the game and force overtime. From there it was a back and forth battle of two heavyweights, one looking to skate away with the Cup, the other looking to force a Game 6.

In the third overtime, with the Penguins on the power play, Malkin was behind the net and set up the game winning goal with his first assist of the series. The win sends the Pens back to Pittsburgh with new life and could be just the gamethat Malkin needs to get back on track.

Game 6 will be on Thursday night as the Pens will look to force a deciding Game 7.

Posted By: Luke Ventura