"Even though it's only November, captain Sidney Crosby's magnificent return to the NHL has fellow superstar Evgeni Malkin thinking about the Stanley Cup.

Malkin admitted to being blown away by Crosby's four-point performance against the Islanders.

"If he keeps playing the same way," Malkin said, "we have a good chance to win the Stanley Cup."

The Stanley Cup won't be awarded until June, of course, but Malkin couldn't contain his optimism.

Monday's 5-0 win marked only the third time in the past two seasons that Crosby, Malkin and center Jordan Staal have played in the same game."