Penguins forward Kasperi Kapanen eager for linemate Evgeni Malkin's return

Kasperi Kapanen’s 2022 is off to a much better start than his 2021.

For one, he is actually playing hockey.

The Penguins winger had no such luxury roughly 365 days ago when he was quarantined, per the NHL’s rules, after being unable to enter the United States in a timely fashion from his native Finland after a diplomatic snafu regarding his work visa.

As a result of that miscue, Kapanen missed the Penguins’ first three games of the 2020-21 campaign (which was played entirely within the 2021 calendar year).

Another nice change in 2022 for Kapanen? He is getting his center back.

Evgeni Malkin returned to the Penguins lineup for Tuesday’s road game against the Anaheim Ducks after recovering from offseason surgery to his right knee. And that means a likely reunion on the second line with Kapanen.

“Last (season), I kind of started playing with him, and I felt like my game elevated,” Kapanen said to media in Anaheim on Monday. “It’s pretty easy to play with a guy like (Malkin). He’s had a Hall-of-Fame career and one of the best to ever play. I’m just lucky that I’ve got a chance to play with him.”

That wasn’t always the plan. When the Penguins reacquired Kapanen, their first-round pick in 2014, via trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs in August 2020, they envisioned him lining up with the team’s other franchise center, Sidney Crosby.

Those designs never materialized, at least not in a fashion that bore satisfactory results. That led to Kapanen and Malkin being teamed together fairly early last season.

According to Natural Stat Trick, Kapanen and Malkin logged 242 minutes, 15 seconds of common five-on-five ice time, and Kapanen generated 12 points (five goals, seven assists) during that span, equating to 2.97 points per 60 minutes.

In contrast, Kapanen recorded only three assists in 91:51 of common five-on-five time on ice with Crosby. In those sequences, Kapanen averaged only 1.97 points per 60 minutes.

Why has Kapanen had more success with Malkin?

“Well, they’re both dangerous guys off the rush,” coach Mike Sullivan said. “(Kapanen) brings a ton of speed and skill and his ability to shoot the puck. Sometimes, when you put players together, they develop instant chemistry.

“We’ve seen it with (Crosby and linemate Jake Guentzel). We felt when (Malkin) was with (Kapanen), it was a similar circumstance. They had a certain chemistry, right from the get-go, that for me, was obvious to the coaching staff. They were a pair that brought us a certain quick-strike capability offensively. They’re two very good players.

“(Malkin’s) talent level … and his ability to command the puck when he’s on the ice, he’s been such a dominant player for so long. He developed instant chemistry when him and (Kapanen) were together last (season). Sometimes, you’re hopeful when you put groups together or pairs together that their skill sets will be complimentary, but you never really know until you watch them play. Sometimes, it takes certain lines and pairs longer to develop that than others. Sometimes, it happens right away. We felt with respect to (Malkin and Kapanen), that was the case.”

Kapanen hopes that trend continues at the dawn of 2022. Through his first 33 games of the season, he has produced a decent but inconsistent 18 points (eight goals, 10 assists).

He acknowledges more is expected of him.

“Starting from last year … it wasn’t the start that I wanted coming in late,” Kapanen said. “Then I kind of got things going and started playing better. This year hasn’t been the best start. We’re not halfway there yet (through the season).

“It hasn’t been my best. But we’ve still got a lot more games. I know I’ve got a lot more to give. I feel like these past couple of games have been another step in the right direction. Been playing well.

“So, I just got to keep building off that and be a better player.”

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