It was a move and goal that many players practice and dream of the moment they step onto the ice as children. Now Beck Malenstyn can add the goal to one for his and Sabres faithful to their memory banks.
Late in the second period, the Buffalo Sabres were ahead 2-1 against the Carolina Hurricanes. Not before Peyton Krebs found Malenstyn, the fourth-line center, who then did the rest. He deked around Carolina's Sebastian Aho, then finished the effort, beating goalie Frederik Anderson on a breakaway.
The goal put the Sabres up 3-1, leading to a 4-1 victory for Buffalo. It was a spectacular play that was not lost on the announcers and fanbase watching the game at home or in the stands.
It did help lead to victory but may be the boost that Malenstyn needs to get to form and help the Sabres continue to make a run towards the postseason.
The goal for Beck Malenstyn was only his fourth point on the season.
He has struggled throughout the start of this latest campaign, but a play like that could be a jumpstart to his time on the ice. The goal comes with him picking up play on the left-wing side in the last few games.
He scored a goal against Edmonton on November 17 and an assist versus the Chicago Blackhawks on November 21. For younger players, taking advantage of their chances could lead to better things.
The play itself demonstrates that Malenstyn has the ability if given the opportunity. However, he needs to capitalize on the moment and not just be a footnote or YouTube clip in Sabres history.
He needs to demonstrate why the Sabres traded for him in 2024. Outside of his points the last few weeks, his strength has been involving physicality. He has 68 hits on the season and that total leads the team with Peyton Krebs second with 49.
If Malenstyn can use the goal and his last week as momentum and add to his physical play, it could be a huge asset for the Sabres.
He is currently on the fourth line, but that changed instantly after his remarkable move, which put the Sabres up for good against the Hurricanes.
“I showed him my card and I said, ‘I’m taking you off as the second penalty killer – I’m bumping you to the first power play," said coach Lindy Ruff after the game.
Ruff may be only half kidding if Malenstyn adds to it. If he continues to make the Sportscenter Top 10 we may see him sneaking up onto the third or second line sooner than later this season.