Determination. Yup, Malkin (& several Russians: Ovechkin included. Datsyuk not included) seem to have a very waffling amount of determination. 100+pt players when it's there... 70pt players when it's not.
I'd give you a thumbs up on this observation. He's seemed like he was missing a spark in several games this season... but he did show his best side last night vs. WAS.