Malkin, who has been looking to Alex Ovechkin for ways to stay competitive, says he won't retire until the Penguins make the playoffs again.

Considering his pre-retirement goals of playing postseason hockey, Malkin could have hinted at a trade request in the near future if the Penguins fail to clinch a postseason berth this or early next season.

The Pittsburgh Penguins got back in the win column on Thursday night, spoiling the Detroit Red Wings’ home opener at Little Caesars Arena — and Evgeni Malkin joined a historic club in the process. Mal