I agree with everyone by the way.
There is a HUGE difference still of being hurt or injured. Everyone plays through it when they are hurt. When they are INJURED you can barely play, or cannot play at all.
A good football example is Ladainian Thomlinson. He is and was amazing all season, and in that final playoff game he wasnt gassed. His knee was wrecked and made him ineffective.
I think Malkin is actually injured, and is playing through it. Detroit probably has a good idea of this, and continues to put a man on him at all times(although they seem to be doing that to every player.)
Malkin playing with some bumps and bruises is one thing, but if he has bruised/fractured ribs, hand, shoulder...he should be seriously commended.
This is a kid who was leading the Russian league in scoring at 18 and 19 years old, playing against seasoned veterans.
I played enough hockey through junior and college to know the best players just don't disappear without a reason.
I am not saying anyone is 100%. However if he is playing at 30% due to a serious injury, versus everyone who is banged up at 80%...there is a huge difference that needs to be recognized.
The big thing to remember is Malkin's 30% is better than many guys at 100%.
