Jonathan Lekkerimaki is a courteous and polite boy of really couple of words and a wealth of ability.
The Vancouver Canucks novice right winger favors to allow his arising NHL video game do the talking. It howled possible Monday in Newark, N.J.
Not just did the slick 20-year-old Swede rack up a third-period objective to attract his club also versus the Devils– a high hockey I.Q. initiative that mentioned checking out the video game, gliding right into an employment opportunity, and launching a fast and exact port wrister off a Derek Forbort cornerboards feed– he after that swiped the program with his profession initially and effective shootout effort.
It was just how it began and finished to provide the Canucks a 4-3 triumph that had jaws going down and made the emphasize reels.
Lekkerimaki initially twirled his stick in self-confidence or anxiousness– he later on claimed he was “excited”– prior to driving towards previous Canucks goalkeeperJacob Markstrom He went vast right, after that reduced left throughout top of the port, revealed he was going handwear cover, and afterwards transformed the angle to discover the blocker side reduced.
Lekkerimaki after that enabled himself a couple of mild hand pumps prior to being thronged by colleagues.
Markstrom, that is fighting with a 1-5-1 mark given that returning from a March 2 knee disorder, responded to the video game victor by damaging his stick on the objective article in utter disappointment prior to storming off the ice. It was terrific theater.
The Canucks played a shootout looking inkling by goalkeeper trainer Marcus Torenius to permit Lekkerimaki to win it in Round 4, and otherwise, Brock Boeser was up following. The result resulted in appealing post-game takes by head trainer Rick Tocchet and goalkeeper Thatcher Demko.
“Obviously a great choice,” claimedTocchet “Goalie coaches have a lot of input with shootouts, and then you watch him in practice. He’s a gifted goalscorer. So why not?”
Lekkerimaki is rapidly advancing from being right here to obtain a growth appearance, or a recall choice, to banging on the door to remain.
“I’m trying to get him some chemistry with guys, and I’ve got to try and find more minutes for him,” Tocchet included of Lekkerimaki’s 9:52 of ice timeMonday “Two beautiful shots for us. The shootout was great, but the other one was a goal scorer’s goal. To me, that was impressive.”
Demko really did not see the Lekkerimaki stick twirl, however had something to claim from a goalkeeper’s viewpoint.
“Did he stick twirl?” Demko asked with a smile. “We might have to have a chat with him about that. Big goal. I’m sure he’s feeling it a bit. He’s a good kid. He works hard and wants to get better. Those are the things you look for in young guys.
“That willingness to compete and listen. He’s going to be a really good player down the road.”
Oddly sufficient, Lekkerimaki hasn’t been a shootout choice withAbbotsford He hasn’t had an effort, in spite of 19 objectives in 32 AHL video games this period. Tristen Nielsen, that has a set of shootout objectives, in addition to Danila Klimovich and Linus Karlsson have actually been the best men.
Raty is ruling the skirmishes
Recalled centre Aatu Raty, 22, won 7 of 8 reels in the initial durationMonday It had not been unexpected.
He ended up 8-for-11, and considering he ran at 56 percent effectiveness in his previous 21 NHL video games this period, it was more verification he might resolve a future requirement with the large club. However, he has various other job to do initially.
“We’ve still got to work with him in our own end,” worriedTocchet “It’s down low and knowing where to go. It’s a fast league up here and he has to figure that out. But he’s really good on the draws.”
Raty became part of the Bo Horvat profession plan with the New York Islanders and must have added motivation Wednesday when the Canucks make their 4th quit on a six-game trip.
He leads Abbotsford in racking up with 39 factors (17-22) in 41 video games and is a limited freelance hereafter period. Six various other forwards in Abbotsford are additionally on ending offers.
Suter like ‘an assistant coach’
Versatile onward Pius Suter has actually been called a great deal of points and they are all lovely.
From “Glue Guy” to “Swiss Army Knife”, the pending unlimited freelance intends to stick to theCanucks He is making fairly the instance. With a career-high 21 objectives, a top-pairing existence on the organization’s fifth-ranked fine kill, and capability to go up and down the schedule without elevating a peep, he’s a trainer’s joy.
Suter, 28, is currently running as an efficient first-line centre in lack of the damaged Filip Chytil and Elias Pettersson.
“It’s his brain,” Tocchet claimed ofSuter “Smart guy and a systems guy. He’s like another assistant coach for us.”
Suter isn’t a speedster however recognizes just how to allow the puck do the job and reach racking up locations. He is additionally among the NHL’s terrific deals. His ending two-year agreement lugs a really tasty $1.6 million United States wage cap hit.
bkuzma@postmedia.com
