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Not many of you might know that during offseason in NHL Evgeni Malkin was invited to be commentator during opening MHL game. Apparently Geno did pretty well and there was an interesting article posted about it on SovSport.ru. Since i thought this article was worthy of translating then so it shall be done.

“Thats it?! I would do more” – Evgeni Malkin’s Debut On TV As A Commentator

Opening game for junior league was sold out. However, those that stayed home to watch the game did not regret it. This action filled game was presented by three experts. Stanly Cup winner Evgeni Malkin who joined along side with Alexander Tkachev and Sergei Gimaevu. With words Malkin played just as good as with a puck.

Malkin? Lets Talk

A few minutes before live broadcast, interview with sportscaster from TV channel “Russia 2″, Alexander Tkachev.

- Its no deja vu, but an interesting fact – reporter is sharing. – Exactly one year ago joined-commentary was shared with Alex Ovechkin as we opened first MHL season. This time its Malkin, i am sure it will be interesting!

A few minutes before first faceoff Evgeni Malkin appears in the press-center. Stylish black suit-jacket, crisp white shirt, light colored jeans, and a trademark smile.

- Good luck, Evgeni! - journalists wishes.

- Malkin nods. It seems that hockey player is no less nervous than during Stanley Cup finals. He almost makes a mistake of going into a wrong commentator booth - employee of Metallurg sports department assists to find the way.

- Good evening, fans of hockey, – without a quiver in his voice Malkin goes on the air. Right off sharing his first impressions: – Did you see how the teams played first symbolic face-off? It seemed like they thought it was the real thing. Interesting hockey lies ahead!

Philosopher and Joker

In the new role of Malkin is developing very quickly. This can be understood through a little trick, which TV viewers do not know.

Live broadcast actually comes with a delay of several seconds. It takes some time for the image from the stadium to reach TV screens. Thats why professional commentators use a special monitor to react to whats going on in the game.

“Goal!” – reacts to the fans in the stadium Evgeni Malkin after score is opened by Potehin.

Tkachev and Gimaev tactfully do not notice Evgeni’s mistake, because viewers only see scored goal a few moments later. After this incident Malkin does not repeat such future  “fortune telling”.

- I would compare Eugene Koreshkova, coach of “Steel Foxes” with coach of Pittsburgh Penguins Dan Bylsma, – by the middle of first period, Malkin stops being shy and takes matters into his own hands. – First, they have similar style of coaching. Secondly, both are still pretty young. Thirdly, both took their team to with the championships during their first season!

- Very interesting observation, – praises Sergei Gimaev. – Even philosophical!

-  Meanwhile, director of “SJSSOOR” (Specialized Junior Sport School Of Olympic Reserve) Metallurg, Sergey Vitman  joins the press-center. He immediately drew attention to the TV:

- Is that Malkin talking? I thought it was a professional expert. I didn’t expect this!

- We have a “BIG” commentators group today, – fully adopted to his new role Malkin is joking as if he heard his first mentor’s comments. – If you look at Sergei Nailevichem and I (both over 6’5 feet, 2 meters) then literally, BIG!

“Harder to play hockey!”

Malkin’s commentaries is the most discussed topic during the break. All the reporters share the same view that debut of Magnitogorsk’s star is a success.

- Its comfortable to work with Evgeni, – shares Alexander Tkachev. – Nice to talk to a man who perfectly understands hockey.

The closer the final siren, the more liberated Malkin becomes. In the third period he takes matters into his own hands: constantly jokes, shares issues with colleagues, breaks down certain plays on ice.

- That’s it? – smiling hockey player says after ending the broadcast. – I would do it again. I liked it a lot.

- Were you nervous at all? - reporters asking who circled around Malkin.

- At first i was a little uncomfortable. However, the confidence and support of Sergey Gimaeva and Alexander Tkachev helped me to get used to it. After that i didn’t have any issues.

- You seem to be completely overwhelmed with emotions.

- Yes its true. During opening ceremony i remembered when i was younger and used to play here. Too bad, back then we didn’t have such championships. This game is a huge celebration for everyone. Tremendous boost of energy!

- Have you ever announced a game before? In America, for example?

They are very creative there and also do similar stuff. However, i never had to sit that long in front of a microphone. Also native language made things a lot easier.

- Would you be able to do the same in English language?

- With similar colleagues, i think i would.

- So whats harder to do, to a commentator or hockey player?

- I think playing hockey is a little bit more difficult than doing commentary.

In other news … happy 32nd birthday to Matt Cooke!!!

Nice article posted by EN about transition from Mellon Arena to Consol Energy Center here.

Malkin flying back to USA tomorrow!

Lets Go Pens!