Yevgeny Malkin: We were tired and let our guard down

Pittsburg Penguins star Yevgeny Malkin commented on his team’s second defeat in a row to the New York Islanders.

«What are the reasons behind your second defeat to the Islanders?»

«It’s hard to say. We looked better today, but the result was the same… We didn’t defend well, especially during their powerplay. Islanders are a strong side, even though they are bottom of the table. I guess were were complacent, trying to enjoy the game rather than win it.»

«Can you single out your key mistakes?»

«Our marking was poor. We have to mark man-to-man, but trouble begins when we start swapping players – that’s how they scored their first and third goals.»

«What about your own performance?»

«I am not happy with it. These games happen and you can’t do much about it. But the season is coming to an end and we have to win these matches. I guess were tired and let our guard down a bit. It just wasn’t happening for us.»

«Is it vital to have the home arena advantage in the playoffs?»

«Of course it is, we play a lot better at home, as any team would,» Malkin said, quoted on the NHL website.