Evgeni Malkin has Penguins on march after Sidney Crosby injury

DETROIT (Reuters) - The Pittsburgh Penguins have missed Sidney Crosby but not as much as they might have done thanks to the form of Evgeni Malkin.

When Crosby, the NHL's MVP and league scoring champion, went down with a serious ankle injury in January the Penguins' Stanley Cup dreams appeared seriously damaged.

But six weeks later they are perched atop the Eastern Conference standings alongside the Montreal Canadiens, Malkin leads the scoring race and there is again a Stanley Cup buzz in the Steel City.

In Crosby's absence, Malkin has stepped up to score 14 goals and 22 assists in 21 games, rocketing top of the scoring table with 88 points, three clear of Russian compatriot Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals.

"He (Crosby) is one of the best players in the world and you are not going to easily replace him but I knew Evgeni was ready for it," Penguins veteran defenseman Sergei Gonchar, who fulfils the role of interpreter for his young team mate, told a conference call on Monday.

"I played with him in Russia during the lockout and I could see what he was able to do.

"It's not a surprise to me how good he is playing right now."

Malkin's play has been so good that the 21-year-old is being touted as a possible Hart trophy finalist as league MVP.

SECOND OVERALL

Taken second overall by the Penguins in the 2004 draft behind Ovechkin, Malkin's arrival was delayed until last season because of a transfer dispute between his Russian club Metallurg Magnitogorsk, the Russian Ice Hockey Federation and the NHL.

He quickly adapted to the NHL but away from the ice the adjustments have not been as easy even though he has stayed with Gonchar and his family.

Unlike the talkative Ovechkin, Malkin is a man of few words.

During Monday's teleconference the only English word he said was "yes", when asked if he understood more than he speaks.

Malkin, however, has no problem understanding what is important.

"To me the most important thing is the team result," said Malkin through Gonchar.

"Ovechkin is not motivation for me, I just try to improve my game, try to be better than I was last year and help make sure out team makes the playoffs.

"This year I am playing good, it's early and I am not thinking about it, I'm just trying to go out there and do my best and do whatever I can.

"Everything is going my way and I hope it continues."

(Editing by Ed Osmond)