Check Out Malkin - Datsyuk Will Be.

Evgeni Malkin is the second NHL player to either score or assist on each of his team's first five goals in a Stanley Cup Final series. Henri Richard did that for Montreal in the 1960 Finals.

Malkin had an assist on the Penguins' only goal in Game 1, he scored their lone goal in Game 2, and he assisted on Pittsburgh's first three goals in Game 3.

Since 1997, the only other players to record three assists in a Stanley Cup Final game were New Jersey's Patrik Elias (Game 1 in 2000 vs. Dallas) and Carolina's Matt Cullen (Game 2 in 2006 vs. Edmonton) .

Malkin has been good, maybe even great as Eric Duhatschek suggests. Zetterberg and Lidstrom all over Crosby, Malkin has needed to be. There have been a couple of times where he did not score and it would have been absolutely crucial that he did.

It sounds like Malkin will have a harder time going forward though. MVP candidate and likely two-time Selke Trophy winner Pavel Datsyuk looks set to return to Detroit's already incredibly deep roster.

I'm still catching up on the news from my camping trip. Here's some reading I found of interest:

Mario says Crosby better than he was at age 21 - IllegalCurve.com looks at some numbers, and it's hard to agree with Mario on this one. Sid is great, but he's no Mario. Mind you, it took Mario 7 years to make the playoffs. Sid is in his 2nd Stanley Cup finals before the age of 22.

Ray Emery Is Coming Back To NHL - Philly fascination with average goalies continues. The good news - out west we can put to rest the Luongo to Philly trade talk.

Puck Daddy Talks To Brett's Daddy - Bobby Hull will always be the Golden Jet in my books.

What Happens To Hat Trick Hats - More from Puck Daddy. Greg Wyshynski answers the question, complete with an ice girl hottie.

Serge Savard Won't Buy Habs - I know he's done very well for himself, and has some high placed friends, but the asking price is too steep. And I'm not even convinced the Habs are for sale.

Nitzy's Old Hockey Ads - Chris Mizzoni's blog may be the most under-the-radar gem of the blogosphere.