gcom007 1,465 Report post Posted February 8, 2009 While I don't want to go over the top here, I've been watching Kirk Maltby as this seasons gone on and lately it seems like there's been a bit of a spark to his play. It's a spark that in some ways he's been lacking since returning from the lockout. But lately, especially the last few games, it seems like something's up to me. He's reminding me more of the pre-lockout Maltby who was good for 10-15 goals a year playing minimal minutes on the 4th line while logging a lot of time on the PK as well. Maltby had an intensity and almost a cockiness to him then that kept him grinding and agitating and he had the speed and hands to make the most of opportunities when he got them. In the Babcock system, I feel like he was overlooked right off the bat. He hasn't really had the chance to prove himself in the Babcock system as he hasn't gotten the number and quality of minutes he was getting under Bowman and Lewis. I remember at first thinking, "What happened to Maltby? He used to be more effective out there." Then I immediately realized, "Oh yeah, he's barely getting any ice time." Since then I've always wondered if the old Maltby that could mix it up and post solid 4th line numbers was still in there somewhere. It was just hard for me to imagine that missing a single season due to the lockout could render him as ineffective as he had seemingly become in the Babcock era. I think he may be starting to come around. He's looked good lately, and if that line continues to play well, they'll get more minutes especially with injuries mounting up. I think his confidence is on the rise as well. Again, he's reminding me more of the Maltby from the Bowman era who was not only great to have on the ice for the sake of the team, but was also entertaining to watch as a fan. He's playing harder on the puck and looking a little cockier again. He's been making plays lately leading to goals. Even today, the 4th line was a standout line. I've got a good feeling we'll see good things coming from Kirk Maltby as this season winds down. Last year I was saying Franzen was going to surprise us and come up big and he came up real big and obviously this is a smaller thing than that, but I won't be shocked if Maltby finishes this season with 10-15 goals and goes on to have a strong 5-10 goal playoff run if the team gets it together and goes far. I really do think he's getting that spark back and I don't think for a second that Babcock's going to be hesitant to give him the opportunity to build a fire the way this season's gone. If the fire gets going, it's going to be a fun spring. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lets go pavel 2 Report post Posted February 8, 2009 I don't know ... anything's possible. But I will say this ... last year, about this time, I seem to remember many of us bemoaning the play of many of the older vets like Malts, Drapes, and particularly Drake. But as soon as the playoffs started, those guys found another gear. These old guys live for the playoffs, so it wouldn't surprise me if he starts picking things up over the next month or so. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
55fan 5,133 Report post Posted February 8, 2009 Watching Cup videos from last summer, I noticed that Maltby was often mentioned (along with Drapes, Nick, and Cheli) as being a motivating force in the locker room. The younger guys talked about the leadership of the guys who've "been there, done that" when they were going through February. Malts and those older guys serve their purpose, and if shows in the locker room and during the playoffs. He has been turning it up lately, and I think it is because we need someone in a leadership role to do so. I have been wondering if he should ride off into the sunset after this contract is up, and he may well do that. Maybe he's realizing that the ride is almost over, and he needs to make the most of what's left. Whatever the reason: Go Malts! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zion 93 Report post Posted February 8, 2009 Great post. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wingnut40 176 Report post Posted February 8, 2009 (edited) Great post! It's nice to see not everyone on here as a total lack of respect for the players. I love Malts, and I'm seriously debating between him and Cleary on a jersey. Edited February 8, 2009 by wingnut40 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
maltbymaniac 13 Report post Posted February 8, 2009 nice post indeed. my first jersey i bought was kirk maltby and not even a weak after buying it,iwas at open practice won the prize to have my photo taken with a player and bam,had his sig on it.thats actually my favorite moment when meeting a wing. true story Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thedisappearer 291 Report post Posted February 8, 2009 Well said. He has definitely looked better the last few games. He's not the kinda guy I would discount in the playoffs, that's for sure. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
clutchngrab 12 Report post Posted February 8, 2009 If Maltby is playing better, and I am not that convinced yet, it is because he fears for his job now that younger and hungrier players are given a chance. The 4th line has been horrid this year, so as far as I'm concerned all 3 are on double secret probation - especially Kopecky and Maltby. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
