When the Pittsburgh Penguins swung a deal to bring in Egor Chinakhov from the Columbus Blue Jackets just over a month ago, it looked like the kind of low-risk, high-upside move that smart teams make. Chinakhov had shown flashes of goal-scoring ability in Columbus, but never quite found his groove. Sometimes all it takes is a fresh start - a new system, new linemates, a different role - and suddenly, things start to click.
Well, things are clicking. And not just in a “he looks more comfortable” kind of way - Chinakhov is thriving in Pittsburgh, and the chemistry he’s developed with Evgeni Malkin has been nothing short of electric.
Put simply: the Malkin-Chinakhov duo has been one of the most productive pairings in the NHL at 5-on-5 since being put together. In just over 100 minutes of ice time, they’ve outscored opponents 8-1.
That’s not a typo. That’s domination.
Break it down further, and the numbers are just as impressive. They’re averaging 4.34 goals per 60 minutes and generating 3.09 expected goals per 60. Those are elite figures - the kind of output you’d expect from top-tier lines around the league.
And when you add Tommy Novak into the mix, things go from great to downright scary. That trio - Malkin, Chinakhov, and Novak - has posted a 7-1 goal differential and is generating over five expected goals per 60 minutes. Again, that’s elite territory.
To put it in context: among 216 forward trios that have logged at least 75 minutes together this season, this Penguins line ranks near the very top in both goal differential and goals scored per 60 minutes. Small sample size?
Sure. But the production and the underlying process both suggest this isn’t just a hot streak - it’s a line that’s legitimately tough to play against.
What’s been particularly encouraging is how Chinakhov has rounded out his game. Everyone knew about the shot - he’s always had that - but he’s showing more than just finishing ability.
He’s been a capable playmaker, responsible without the puck, and hasn’t been a defensive liability. No one’s confusing him with a shutdown forward, but he’s holding his own in all three zones.
For a player who was seen as a bit of a one-dimensional scorer, that’s a big win.
It’s also a testament to how well he’s meshed with Malkin. At 37, Malkin isn’t just hanging on - he’s still producing at a high level and driving play.
And now he’s flanked by two smart, skilled players in Chinakhov and Novak who complement his game rather than just riding shotgun. They’re reading off each other well, supporting the puck, and creating space - and the results speak for themselves.
This newfound chemistry has had a ripple effect throughout the Penguins’ lineup. The Crosby line continues to do what it always does - control play and produce.
The fourth line has been a tone-setter, bringing energy and even chipping in some offense. Ben Kindel’s line with veterans Justin Brazeau and Anthony Mantha is starting to find its rhythm too, giving the Penguins some real depth.
But it’s that second line - Malkin, Chinakhov, and Novak - that’s quietly becoming a game-changer. They’re not just holding the fort while the top line rests.
They’re flipping matchups, creating mismatches, and forcing opponents to adjust. That kind of balance is what separates good teams from dangerous ones.
Right now, the Penguins are a tough out. There’s no weak link in the forward group. Every line brings something to the table, and with Chinakhov fitting in as seamlessly as he has, Pittsburgh suddenly looks deeper, more dynamic, and a lot harder to defend.
It’s still early in Chinakhov’s Penguins chapter, but the early returns are promising. He’s not just getting a fresh start - he’s making the most of it. And if this trio keeps rolling, Pittsburgh might have found something special.