Dan Muse Defends Evgeni Malkin Amid Mounting Criticism: “A Crime Against Hockey”

PITTSBURGH — As criticism around the Pittsburgh Penguins’ season intensified, head coach Dan Muse delivered one of his strongest public defenses yet—this time on behalf of veteran center Evgeni Malkin, who has increasingly found himself at the center of blame during the team’s struggles.

According to team sources and media present following practice, Muse did not mince words when asked about narratives surrounding Malkin’s performance and leadership.

“What’s happening to him is a crime against hockey,” Muse said. “A blatant betrayal of everything this sport stands for.”

Criticism Without Cause

Much of the recent backlash aimed at Malkin has focused on perceived defensive lapses, leadership questions, and responsibility for losses—claims the coaching staff firmly disputes. Internally, team analysts point out that several of the plays attributed to Malkin were the result of systemic breakdowns, missed assignments by other players, or line changes that placed him on the ice at inopportune moments.

“He’s being criticized for things he simply didn’t do,” one Penguins staff member said. “That sticks with a room.”

Muse echoed that sentiment, expressing frustration not just with the criticism itself, but with how quickly Malkin’s contributions are discounted when the team falters.

“How can people be so cruel?” Muse said. “This is a player who gives everything he has. He shows up every night. He plays through pain. He never seeks attention. He never blames anyone. He just battles—for this team, for this city.”

A Career Defined by Sacrifice

Now in the later stages of a Hall of Fame–caliber career, Malkin has long been known within NHL circles for his willingness to play through injuries that many players would sit out. Teammates routinely cite his competitiveness in practices, his presence in the locker room, and his quiet leadership style—one that contrasts sharply with louder, more visible forms of captaincy.

“To me, Evgeni Malkin is one of the toughest and most selfless players this game has ever seen,” Muse said. “That doesn’t always show up on a stat sheet.”

Malkin himself has declined to respond publicly to criticism, maintaining a consistent approach throughout his career: let the play speak, absorb the noise, and move on.

A Message to the Hockey World

Muse’s statement appeared aimed not only at fans and pundits, but at a broader culture within the sport that often looks for a single figure to shoulder collective failure.

“Every time the team struggles, his value gets questioned,” Muse said. “That’s not fair. That’s not honest. And it’s not how you treat someone who’s given this much to the game.”

Around the league, former players and analysts have begun pushing back on the criticism as well, noting Malkin’s continued impact in high-pressure situations and his influence on younger teammates.

Standing by Their Star

For now, the Penguins’ coaching staff is making its position clear: Evgeni Malkin has their full support.

“In this room,” Muse said, “we stand by him.”

And in a season filled with uncertainty, that message may matter as much as any goal or assist—reminding observers that not every contribution is loud, and not every leader wears his impact on the surface.