Evgeni Malkin gets a special surprise before his 1000th NHL game.

Sunday night proved to be a very special night for Pittsburgh Penguins star Evgeni Malkin.

While Malkin and the Penguins were taking on the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center in what would have otherwise been a typical regular season game, it was also the 1000th game of Malkin's illustrious NHL career thus far.

As you might expect this was a milestone of great importance for the Russian superstar and it was clear on his face throughout the night that this was an emotional milestone as well. We were treated to a series of great Malkin moments throughout the night, but the festivities started even earlier for the Penguins who had a special pre-game surprise planned for their beloved teammate.

Prior to the start of the game the Penguins had a very special guest come into the locker room to read out the starting lineup, that guest was none other than Malkin's own son, Nikita Malkin.

Malkin would also be on the receiving end of a hilarious prank prior to the start of the game itself, one that was reportedly orchestrated by Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby himself.

Malkin did not disappoint either, finding the back of the net in his 1000th career game and being quite emotional/vocal about doing so.