Witness the artistry of a KHL hat trick for Evgeni Malkin but wonder, too, if Geno's really in any hurry to return to Pittsburgh.

Malkin is having a great season: Second in KHL scoring with 16 goals and 30 assists in 30 games. He's wearing the "C" for his hometown team. He's making good rubles. He's playing a much less demanding schedule.

Geno's joyous Russian adventure shows the disparity created by NHLPA members playing overseas. Malkin won't pressure Fehr to end the lockout. He doesn't need the NHL.

If Malkin has to, he can play for Metallurg Magnitogorsk all season. In Pittsburgh, we've got an empty building.