Evgeni Malkin's $50M Penguins teammate drops two-word reaction on 500-goal milestone achievement

Eleven years ago, Evgeni Malkin famously said "I am score" while speaking during a post-game interview where he logged three goals during a Penguins playoff game. On Wednesday, during a game against the Buffalo Sabres, Malkin reached the career 500-goal mark, becoming just the 48th player in NHL history to score 500 career goals.

In response, Malkin's teammate, Kris Letang, shared an image from the Penguins' Instagram account, celebrating the achievement on his Instagram story along with Malkin's famous quote, writing:

"I'm score"

Kris Letang (@kletang_58) - Instagram story

The phrase has become synonymous with Evgeni Malkin throughout his career, with the future Hall of Famer signing autographs with the phrase, and even launching the "I'm Score for Kids" charity.

Founded in the lead-up to the 2022-23 season, the charity sees the Penguins star donate $710 directly to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Pittsburgh and Morgantown for every regular season point he scores.

Last year, Evgeni Malkin finished the regular season with 67 points, resulting in a $47,570 donation to the charity. McDonald's then matched the amount, bringing the total donation up to $95,140 according to CBS.

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"I'm trying to do my best," - Evgeni Malkin reacts to historic career achievement following win over Buffalo

While Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry has struggled this season, the Penguins are currently ranked second in the Metropolitan Division with a 3-2 record that sees them sitting on six points.

In the team's 6-5 win in overtime against the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday, Malkin scored his second goal of the season, the 500th goal of his career. In addition, he also racked up three assists throughout the game for a massive four-point outing.

While speaking to media members after the game, Malkin reacted to the historic career achievement, explaining that he's simply trying to do his best out there to compete with the league's best:

"I’m trying to do my best. When you play against Ovechkin, you’re trying to be better. Same, like, we play with Sid, same team. But I’m trying to do my best. He’s probably looking to me."

“I push to him. He push to me. We try to help each other. ... Finally, I score. Now, I’m relaxed. Not think too much. Sleep better. Just play hockey. ... “It's a great story. Sid pass to me. It's amazing. I love it, and again, congrats myself."

Evgeni Malkin, who as of the time of publication leads the league in points, and the Penguins will be back in action on Friday when they take on the Carolina Hurricanes at home.