Malhotra enjoys a good morning crossword puzzle. He has been exercising his mind before his body since his NHL rookie season (1998-99) in New York.

"I'll do one over breakfast or on the bus on the way to the (visiting) rink," Malhotra said. "I like a challenge every day."

Malhotra has been instrumental in helping the Blue Jackets solve Seven Down, the problem that might come to define their season.

Absent as many as seven regulars because of injury, the Jackets have remained in the playoff race thanks to contributions from rookies, minor-league call-ups and veterans such as Fredrik Modin, Michael Peca and Malhotra.

Not only is Malhotra providing some offense -- he rides a season-high, four-game points streak into tonight's game in Vancouver -- he's playing assertive, inspired hockey.

"Manny has stepped up at a critical time for us," Jackets general manager Scott Howson said. "He's playing big and important minutes for us."

As the Jackets regain their health, a question arises: Will Malhotra continue his run of fine play or recede into a subordinate role again?

The man who loves brainteasers admits to being somewhat of a puzzle himself. Blessed with speed, size and strength, Malhotra, 28, concedes he hasn't always put those attributes to best use.

"I have been told often by coaches and by peers that they want me to play with a little more edge, be a little more physical," the 6-foot-2, 217-pound forward said. "I know I have to get to the hard areas of the ice. Sometimes, it strays out of my game for whatever reason."

Perhaps best known for winning faceoffs and killing penalties, Malhotra has contributed in many ways in the past month.

His game has been elevated since the season-ending shoulder injury suffered by center Derick Brassard on Dec. 18. Jackets coach Ken Hitchcock has deployed the versatile Malhotra as a first-, second- and fourth-line center during this stretch.

Malhotra supplied two assists in the memorable 3-0 win at Washington on Jan. 9 and was at his confrontational best against Colorado on Jan. 2. In that game, Malhotra was involved in several skirmishes, including an exchange with former Jackets captain Adam Foote.

"I wish I had an answer because I would play like this every game of the season," Malhotra said. "Sometimes, you can't put your finger on it. It comes with being more a part of the game. You get in more battles with guys, you build those edgy rivalries on the ice. I realize that has to be more a part of my game now to be successful and bring energy to this team."

Hitchcock appreciates Malhotra's consistency. His line mates might change, but his role remains the same.

"Manny is managing the game regardless of what wingers he plays with," Hitchcock said. "We know what we're getting every time from his line."

Ten seasons after being the No. 7 overall selection by the Rangers, Malhotra has embraced the role of checking center.

He likes that Hitchcock is matching him against the likes of Washington's Alex Ovechkin and Detroit's Pavel Datsyuk.

"Throughout my career I've wanted to have responsibility and the trust of coaches who say, 'You're the guy, we need you to do this.' "

Malhotra is a free agent at season's end and says he occasionally thinks about an uncertain future. He takes comfort in spending time with what he jokingly calls his "favorite distractions," wife, Joann, and their 7-month-old son, Caleb.

"Being around them keeps everything in perspective," Malhotra said.

Eight-letter word to describe Malhotra's life and game: maturing.

treed@dispatch.com