VIDEO: Evgeni Malkin dropped by a huge left jab from Adrian Kempe

Hockey fans were left in disbelief as Pittsburgh Penguins superstar Evgeni Malkin was dropped by a powerful left jab from Los Angeles Kings forward Adrian Kempe.

Kempe found himself in the penalty box for two minutes for roughing Malkin, but it was the explosive punch at 07:46 of the first period that left everyone stunned. The sequence began with Kempe engaging in a physical confrontation with Kris Letang, but it was Malkin who came to Letang's rescue. The situation escalated quickly, leading to Kempe unleashing a thunderous left jab on Malkin.

The impact of Adrian Kempe's punch was so severe that it sent Evgeni Malkin sprawling to the ice, and the referees swiftly intervened to break up the confrontation. As the period continued, the scoreline remained deadlocked at 1-1, with the Penguins registering 8 shots on goal and the Kings notching up 12 shots.

Evgeni Malkin's Spectacular Season with the Penguins

Evgeni Malkin's season has been nothing short of remarkable as the veteran center continues to dazzle on the ice. In a recent game against the San Jose Sharks, Malkin showcased his scoring prowess, netting two goals, one of which came on the power play. This performance marked his second consecutive multi-point effort and his first two-goal game of the season.

What sets Malkin apart is his ability to provide swift responses to opponents' goals, and he did exactly that in the game against the Sharks. His offensive contributions have been instrumental in the Pittsburgh Penguins' recent success. In just 11 games this season, the 37-year-old center has already amassed an impressive stat line, with seven goals, six assists, 33 shots on goal, and 14 penalty minutes. Five of his 13 points have been generated while the Penguins enjoyed the man advantage, showcasing his crucial role in the team's power play.

Malkin's commitment to the Penguins is evident as he signed a four-year, $24.4 million contract with the team in July 2022, virtually guaranteeing he will conclude his illustrious NHL career in Pittsburgh. This loyalty to the franchise is not only appreciated by fans but also serves as a testament to his dedication to the team that has been his home for so many years.

As he continues to deliver impressive performances, Malkin's legacy in the NHL is secured, and he remains a force to be reckoned with on the ice. His recent milestones, such as scoring in his 1,000th NHL game, further highlight his enduring impact and the enduring strength of his game.