By Warren Kozireski–
Some coaches will say that, six months into the season, no one is a rookie anymore. With 60+ professional games under his belt, Buffalo Sabres 2013 sixth round draft pick Sean Malone is beginning to find his way in his first professional season.
Over his last 11 games (as of March 15) he had points in seven of them while five of his season total of nine goals have come since the start of February.
And he was trusted by the Rochester Americans coaching staff to be on the ice protecting a one-goal lead in the final minute of play.
“For me he’s earned that spot the way he has played,” Amerks head coach Chris Taylor said. “What I like about him is he competes and blocks shots and that’s what tells us about him. And I feel that that is going to be his job and that’s why I want him out there.”
The 6’0”, 190 lb. center played for four seasons at Harvard University after being selected in the NHL Entry Draft. His offensive numbers peaked in his senior season with the Crimson with 18 goals and 24 assists over 36 games leading the Sabres to offer him a three-year entry level deal last April.
“Honestly I don’t know; I’ve been playing the same way and got some opportunities playing on the third line, but things are happening a little quicker for me, pucks are going in and I’m shooting more,” Malone said about his recent offensive numbers.
“I’m just focusing on doing the little things right and I’m confident the offense will keep coming. Defense is the staple of my game; I try to focus on being a good two-way player and it’s good for me now that the offense is finally coming.”
The soon-to-be 23-year old (April 30) played two seasons at the Nichols School in Buffalo before joining the U.S. National Development Program U-18 team for the 2012-13 season where he scored 16 goals with 33 points in 50 games. He was also chosen for Team USA for the Hlinka Memorial tournament the same year.
It’s been a steady upward trajectory for Malone, who had a career-best four game point streak in late February and his first professional goal came Nov. 22 at Syracuse.
“On the ice it’s a lot tougher defensively…and you need to think a lot quicker out there and that’s been a big eye-opener for me and off the ice, just the way guys take care of themselves and maintain their bodies.
“And (compared to college) trying to find some different things to do (during all the downtime). It gets pretty boring sometimes, but it’s fun and it’s what I want to do.”
Not to mention the chance and opportunity to play for his hometown team.
