Yevgeny Malkin: My priority is the Stanley Cup, not the Hart Trophy

Pittsburg Penguins star Yevgeny Malkin claimed he is only interested in winning the Stanley Cup and is not concerned with the Hart Trophy.

«Of course, a Stanley Cup is better,» Malkin said in an interview to Denver Post. «We have a great team, and with Sid hopefully coming back soon, we have a great chance at it. I know I’m having a good season, but that (Hart Trophy) is out of my hands. I just have to do my best on the ice.»

Meanwhile, the Penguins’ head coach Dan Bylsma also believes that individual honours are not a priority for the Russian forward.

«I know [Hart – Sports.ru] is not the trophy he wants. He never talks about it as a goal. I think he wants to be great and wants to drive our team. I know he’d cash in every other trophy for one more Stanley Cup,» Bylsma said.

Malking is currently the joint leading marksman in the NHL, sharing first place with Steven Stamcos from Tampa Bay, both on 80 points.