Malkin slew-foots Paul Mara in game 5.

The conclusion of last night game between the Rangers and the Penguins was exciting to say the least. Pittsburgh super star Evgeni Malkin's slew footed Paul Mara almost causing full out brawl. While I have to admit that I have enjoyed watching this series (I am not a rabid fan of either team) this has been nothing short of exciting, with up and down the ice action.

I am also very excited that the Rangers on the verge of being eliminated, I can't stand Jaromir Jagr I think he is a cry baby and a prima donna. I am also happy that he is on the verg of playing some where other than the NHL. That being said the latest move by Evgeni Malkin was nothing less than a bush league cheap shot that I would expect from a second rate thug like Sean Avery and not a super star like Malkin.

This is a perfect example why I think that the NHL needs to do away this is the instigator rules. Malkin is a great hockey player but he should have paid for his bush league move on Paul Mara.

Here is Kristie Ackert's from the New York Daily News perpecitive on the Malkin slew foot.

With 13.6 seconds left Thursday night in Game 4, young Penguins star Evgeni Malkin finally showed some frustration.

As he and Paul Mara raced back toward the Rangers' net, Malkin kicked the legs out from under the defenseman while pushing him back with his arm. Malkin was whistled for a 10-minute misconduct penalty, capping the frustration of the Penguins' first loss in the playoffs.

"He did it twice - right at their blue line going into their zone and then right in our zone right in front of the ref," said Mara, who also received a 10-minute misconduct plus an extra minor penalty for roughing. "That's a classless act by a superstar. And there's no need for that in our game. We're up (3-0) and it's not like it's a little slew-foot - it's a full kick if you watch the replay. There's no need for that in our game."

Hockey Buzz blogger Scott Gallof thinks Crosby is a diver. Read his comments below, he is right hockey fans are going to get sick of Crosby's diving and the league office should warn him as well. I think that his diving should be rewarded with a 2 minute unsportsman like penalty for diving.

The Rangers need to make a statement in this afternoon's game. Forget all this Crosby cradled by the NHL nonsense, let the Penguins' coach Michel Therrien prattle on and on from his gamesmanship soapbox pulpit. Of course Crosby dives, and with the refs giving him the benefit of the doubt, if you were him, wouldn't you? I can respect a guy who will do what it takes for his team to win. It's the same argument I made for Avery with all the stick waving shenanigans in the last series. It's up for the refs and the league to crack down on him, and that is really outside the control if the Rangers. Someday that gravy train will come to a screeching halt for Crosby.