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08:24 AM ET 08.01 | Evgeni Malkin is on a mission. [Malkin] wakes up every day with the Moscow sun peeking through his window in the early morning hours. Though the calendar declares these heavy summer days as the offseason, there hasn't been any 'off' for Malkin. The Penguins star center has been all business in his native country, waking up early and heading to the gym or ice rink, working tirelessly to strengthen his right knee and improve his overall conditioning for the upcoming season. "I have known 'Geno' for five years now and I have never seen him this committed to getting healthier and wanting to do well," said Penguins strength and conditioning coach Mike Kadar. ... "It has been an eye-opener for me with his determination and work ethic. He is committed to it every day, and with no short cuts."

Evgeni Malkin, Getty Images

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August 1, 2011 08:33 AM ET

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The fear of having to play in the KHL as your only option can drive any Russian player to train hard to return to the NHL.

Stranger

Pearl City, HI

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August 1, 2011 09:11 AM ET

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Maybe he realizes that he is one big hit on Crosby away from wearing the C.

Burgh-Fan

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August 1, 2011 09:57 AM ET

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QUOTE(#1):

Originally posted 08:33 AM ET 08.01 by Stranger

The fear of having to play in the KHL as your only option can drive any Russian player to train hard to return to the NHL.

The KHL seems to have that effect on REAL hockey players.

roamer

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August 1, 2011 09:59 AM ET

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Trainer seeing a new Malkin

That's good for the Pens coz the 'old' one is busted.

Canuck eh?

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August 1, 2011 10:09 AM ET

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Kadar: "I've never seen him, you know, try."

santapig

Kansas City , MO

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August 1, 2011 10:13 AM ET

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Since Disco came on board Malkin has been pretty inconsistent. Also had a few nagging injuries, but perhaps they were a result of bad conditioning, hence why he's working out like a madman this off season.

DurkDiggler

Iron City, PA

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August 1, 2011 10:14 AM ET

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QUOTE(#3):

Originally posted 09:57 AM ET 08.01 by roamer

The KHL seems to have that effect on REAL hockey players.

kovalev seems overjoyed to be overpaid to prance around with mediocre hockey players.

puttin on the foil

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August 1, 2011 10:14 AM ET

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QUOTE(#6):

Originally posted 10:13 AM ET 08.01 by DurkDiggler

Since Disco came on board Malkin has been pretty inconsistent. Also had a few nagging injuries, but perhaps they were a result of bad conditioning, hence why he's working out like a madman this off season.

He's a pretty big & heavy guy...so your idea makes sense. Cutting a bit of weight and getting the cardio up can only help his knees...

puttin on the foil

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August 1, 2011 10:21 AM ET

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QUOTE(#7):

Originally posted 10:14 AM ET 08.01 by puttin on the foil

kovalev seems overjoyed to be overpaid to prance around with mediocre hockey players.

He fits right in, doesn't he!

roamer

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August 1, 2011 10:54 AM ET

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I am always suspicious of stories that come from the team website painting such a rosy picture

Spiny Norman

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August 1, 2011 11:06 AM ET

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QUOTE(#10):

Originally posted 10:54 AM ET 08.01 by Spiny Norman

I am always suspicious of stories that come from the team website painting such a rosy picture

Every player on every team is working harder this off-season then ever before, don't you know that.

Nard Dog

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August 1, 2011 11:11 AM ET

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QUOTE(#11):

Originally posted 11:06 AM ET 08.01 by Nard Dog

Every player on every team is working harder this off-season then ever before, don't you know that.

Viagra in the Gatorade?

Canuck eh?

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August 1, 2011 11:34 AM ET

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QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 09:11 AM ET 08.01 by Burgh-Fan

Maybe he realizes that he is one big hit on Crosby away from wearing the C.

Isn't the 'C' on Crosby a four letter word?

shiprock

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August 1, 2011 11:36 AM ET

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QUOTE(#7):

Originally posted 10:14 AM ET 08.01 by puttin on the foil

kovalev seems overjoyed to be overpaid to prance around with mediocre hockey players.

Well, in the land of the blind...

shiprock

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August 1, 2011 12:12 PM ET

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QUOTE(#14):

Originally posted 11:36 AM ET 08.01 by shiprock

Well, in the land of the blind...

the eternal loafer is king?

puttin on the foil

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August 1, 2011 12:25 PM ET

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QUOTE(#10):

Originally posted 10:54 AM ET 08.01 by Spiny Norman

I am always suspicious of stories that come from the team website painting such a rosy picture

C'mon now Spiny, don't pee on the Penguin thread. Let us believe that Malkin is working harder than he ever has, Sid is symptom free and Cooke really has turned over a new leaf. The off season is the best time to fantasize (Even Toronto has a shot at the Cup now) but when the season starts its back to reality.

Burgh-Fan

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August 1, 2011 12:41 PM ET

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QUOTE(#16):

Originally posted 12:25 PM ET 08.01 by Burgh-Fan

C'mon now Spiny, don't pee on the Penguin thread. Let us believe that Malkin is working harder than he ever has, Sid is symptom free and Cooke really has turned over a new leaf. The off season is the best time to fantasize (Even Toronto has a shot at the Cup now) but when the season starts its back to reality.

This is very good advice. Cooke has changed you say? Working with Habitat for Humanity? But seriously, I agree with you. Only about 5 more weeks til training camp starts. Might as well fantasize about all of our hopes til the true story is written. Coming soon enough.

Slapshot

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August 1, 2011 12:48 PM ET

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QUOTE(#16):

Originally posted 12:25 PM ET 08.01 by Burgh-Fan

C'mon now Spiny, don't pee on the Penguin thread. Let us believe that Malkin is working harder than he ever has, Sid is symptom free and Cooke really has turned over a new leaf. The off season is the best time to fantasize (Even Toronto has a shot at the Cup now) but when the season starts its back to reality.

Et tu, Burgte?

Canuck eh?

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August 1, 2011 01:25 PM ET

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QUOTE(#12):

Originally posted 11:11 AM ET 08.01 by Canuck eh?

Viagra in the Gatorade?

The young bucks don't need that sheyet. They have testosterone coming out of their ears. Leave that stuff for us uh .... more distinguished gentlemen.