Evgeni Malkin expressed his frustration following the Pittsburgh Penguins' latest loss, a 4-2 defeat to the Seattle Kraken, marking another disappointing chapter in their season. The Penguins' struggles have intensified as they prepare for a crucial seven-game road trip amidst increasing playoff concerns. With Malkin returning from injury, he emphasized the need for the team to reflect on their performances and improve their consistency, particularly on defense.

Despite past successes, including three Stanley Cup victories, Malkin acknowledged that the team's standards have slipped. The Penguins’ recent form of 2-5-3 has left them under .500, highlighting defensive lapses that have cost them crucial points. As the team approaches the All-Star break, their fate hangs in the balance, with the pressure mounting for a turnaround.