Yevgeny Malkin: Nobody expected Radulov to score a hat trick on his debut

Pittsburg Penguins Russian star Yevgeny Malkin expressed his admiration for his countryman Alexander Radulov, whose return to the NHL was overshadowed by Malkin magnificent display against the Predators.

«Nobody expected him to score a hat trick or something like that. Players of his level will never drag a team down,» Malkin said of his long-time friend. «He can only help, with his scoring, especially on the power play, and his ice awareness. It’s all about adapting right now. He told me earlier this morning that he didn’t have a chance to practice as much as he wanted to lately.»