Forgotten Canes: Marek Malik

   

      A quick Google search of the name Marek Malik will likely bring up his famous 2005 15th round shootout goal from his time with the New York Rangers. A goal that remains to this day arguably the best shootout goal in NHL History.
However long before Malik surprised the hockey world with his silky mitts beating Olaf Kolzig with that between the legs dandy, Malik patrolled the Carolina Hurricanes Blue-line.
     
     Drafted by the Hartford Whalers in the third round (72nd Overall) of the 1993 draft, the 6'6" Czech Native spent three seasons with the American Hockey Leagues Springfield Falcons. Prior to breaking in with the Whalers for 47 games during the 1996-1997 NHL Season. The following season the Hartford Whalers Owner Peter Karmanos relocated the team to Raleigh, North Carolina, and Malik chose to take his talents to the Swedish Elite League for the Malmo Redhawks. After a year in Sweden, Malik returned to Raleigh where he registered 11 points (2g, 9a) in 52 games within the team.

     Over the next 4 season Malik's Numbers saw a steady increase including a career high 23 points in 82 games during the Hurricanes 2001-2002 season that saw the team win the Eastern Conference, and compete for the Stanley Cup losing in 5 games to the Detroit Red Wings. The following season saw Malik Traded to the Vancouver Canucks 10 games into the year thus ending his 9 year run with the Carolina Hurricanes Organization having appeared in 262 games scoring 70 points (16 goals, 54 assists)

     He would receive the NHL Plus/Minus award the following year in Vancouver. Following his time in Vancouver, Malik saw stints overseas, with the aforementioned New York Rangers as well as the Tampa Bay Lightning. While critics may say Malik underachieved for a player of his stature (6'6", 240) and shied away from contact and physicality. Marek will always remain part of Hurricanes history and the owner of one of the best shootout goals of all time. Thanks for reading and Redvolution


The Caniac Collector.

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