Sam Malinski is scorching hot. He has piled up eight points over his last five games, headlined by a three-point performance in his last game – the first without superstar defenseman Cale Makar in the lineup.
He is more than capable of handling the added responsibility. Malinski ranks 5th among defenseman in points per 60 minutes of 5-on-5 play, trailing names like Evan Bouchard, Lane Hutson, and Zach Werenski. The uptick in usage during that game state will serve him well.
Perhaps more importantly, Malinski also finds himself quarterbacking the top power play in Makar’s role. Wheels up.