BUFFALO – In their exit meeting last season, Sabres coach Lindy Ruff challenged Beck Malenstyn to convert more of the offensive opportunities his role as a heavy presence on the fourth line offered him.
Ruff told the 6-foot-3, 209-pound Malenstyn he saw about seven or eight opportunities “that were like, ‘Hey, you really need to execute that.’”
Showcasing subtle finish around the net or putting a softer touch on a pass would help him finish more of those chances.
So Malenstyn, who began Monday’s game against the Tampa Bay Lightning having scored a career-high seven goals in 76 outings this season, focused last summer on honing those skills and developing confidence.
At the same time, he did not want to lose his identity as the Sabres’ most physical presence.
“I think I battled with it for a little bit,” he said. “There were times where I was probably trying to make plays that got me away from the ability to forecheck and things like that through the preseason and training camp.”
During camp, Malenstyn, 28, said coaches told him, “Don’t lose what you were, but we can see that you’ve worked on it, kind of find that mold.”
He has found the right mold, adding offense to his repertoire without losing any grit. He entered Monday’s game having registered a career-high 261 hits, the NHL’s sixth-highest total.
He scored six goals and recorded 191 hits in 76 games last season, his first with the Sabres.
“I think recently it’s just been kind of finding that balance,” Malenstyn said. “I think playing the way that I play, you’re going to be around the net lots, you’re going to be able to create turnovers and things like that, it’s just what can you do with the puck after the fact.”
Malenstyn possesses an underrated skill set that’s overshadowed by his penchant for thumping opponents. To wit: on March 12, NHL Edge clocked his maximum skating speed at 24.94 mph, the highest since tracking began in 201-22.
In Saturday’s 6-2 loss to the Washington Capitals, Malenstyn tallied at the net, potting a rebound. But he has also scored some highlight-reel goal this season, undressing defenders and deking.
“He’s worked hard at his game,” Ruff said. “I give him a lot of credit, and I think it’s led to some production, which you look at it, he’s a great skater. He’s almost on a nightly basis one of our top skaters, or top speed skaters in the game. So combine that with making better plays and some of the dekes and some of the moves, there’s a couple times I said, ‘Wow.’”
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Right now, the Sabres have a deep roster – 26 healthy bodies, to be exact – meaning a whopping six players must be scratched each game.
Ruff has tried to keep the extras involved, moving guys in and out. Still, two players – defensemen Luke Schenn and Michael Kesselring – have found themselves watching for weeks
On Monday, Schenn, who arrived March 6 in trade with the Winnipeg Jets, played after sitting out 10 straight games.
“It’s never easy for those guys,” Ruff said. “I’ve spent plenty of time talking talking to him and others there’s going to be a place and time we’re going need different pieces.”
The 6-foot-2, 225-pound Schenn, 36, gives the Sabres a heavy and experienced piece.
“He’s a good penalty,” Ruff said. “He understands around the front of the net, the reason he’s still in the league is because of how hard he can defend.”
To make room for Schenn, the Sabres scratched rookie defenseman Zach Metsa.
Meanwhile, Lightning winger Brandon Hagel, who agitated the Sabres throughout the teams’ last meeting, missed the game with an undisclosed injury.