Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperMatt18
One thing you instantly notice is how much bigger Sven is playing in those clips.
Could be confidence, could be the injuries over the last two seasons but he just looks bigger and more determined in those videos.
In his NHL (even some AHL) games over the last two seasons he just looks timid and small on the ice.
It was these clips and style of play that got him compared to Hossa coming out of the draft, hopefully he can get back to that.
|
Yep - Sven was praised in his draft year for his willingness to play and be effective in high-traffic areas.
What he needs to figure out is being able to do that consistently at the pro level. We know he can produce points, and I don't even think his defensive game is that bad at all - he just needs to stop playing scared. I don't know if it is his past injuries, but he needs to work on not turning his back as soon as he comes into contact with another player when battling for the puck.
It took time for Backlund to translate his game from junior to being able to play the same way at the pro level. And now with Calgary he looks like he is doing the same stuff he was doing in Kelowna. It might take Sven the same amount of time, which is why this upcoming season shouldn't be viewed as a "last chance" or a "make or break season" by any means.