crashthenet
Registered User
I like the way he plays. Has a physical element. Looks like he will be a high volume shooter. Based on how well he and Dobson are playing, is it too much to hope that they got the Wilde pick right?
I like the way he plays. Has a physical element. Looks like he will be a high volume shooter. Based on how well he and Dobson are playing, is it too much to hope that they got the Wilde pick right?
Wahlstrom’s skating is just fine. If anything it’s Bellows’ skating that’s questionable.I'm not sure where this narrative that Wahlstrom is not a good skater came from. He may not be a burner, but almost all the draft reports cited his skating as a positive. From what I've seen, he has zero issues getting around the ice.
Good point about having more time than he thinks, that's just going to take time. I think he is still hyper focused on doing the right things so the natural ability is still a bit suppressed. The goal last night where he had the 2nd assist on his own goal was a thing of beauty, no hesitation and that was him doing his thing and not over thinking it.
I’m with you on that. Based on everything I’ve read, he’s outperformed my expectations and then some. My only concern would be a regression if we put him in more of an offensive first role. It suits his game more but a bit more maturation would be beneficial. Plus poor pager needs someone to play with, bellows has been a big disappointment for me.I'm not worried about Wahlstrom continuing his development. Trotz and staff will make sure he doesn't forget why he is earning his ice time. He is showing the traits that made him a top draft prospect, but the uptick in his overall game has been a delight to watch. Last year's 9-game NHL stint and playing pro hockey in the AHL at 19 years old is paying dividends now.
His straight line speed is good; it's more things like his edges, acceleration and lateral movement that I think still need work for him to be the kind of player who can create separation and generate chances on his own. It's not to the point where I think it's a problem area, just something that may hold him back from being a more dynamic scorer. He has a good shot and scoring instincts, so even if his skating doesn't improve, I think he'll still be able to score on chances generated by his linemates, but skating is still an area I hope to see him improve on.I'm not sure where this narrative that Wahlstrom is not a good skater came from. He may not be a burner, but almost all the draft reports cited his skating as a positive. From what I've seen, he has zero issues getting around the ice.
Good point about having more time than he thinks, that's just going to take time. I think he is still hyper focused on doing the right things so the natural ability is still a bit suppressed. The goal last night where he had the 2nd assist on his own goal was a thing of beauty, no hesitation and that was him doing his thing and not over thinking it.
Yes, to score on the rush more he should be able to change the angle of attack slightly. Right now he has shown moderate elusiveness and maneuverability on his skates. He will never be Barzal (no one will be lol) but when I watch Pastrnak, that is the model. Wally is mainly a straight-ahead locomotive with a great release and velocity on his shot.His straight line speed is good; it's more things like his edges, acceleration and lateral movement that I think still need work for him to be the kind of player who can create separation and generate chances on his own. It's not to the point where I think it's a problem area, just something that may hold him back from being a more dynamic scorer. He has a good shot and scoring instincts, so even if his skating doesn't improve, I think he'll still be able to score on chances generated by his linemates, but skating is still an area I hope to see him improve on.
But I do love seeing his focus on his all around game right now, and agree that his offense should come along naturally as he gets more comfortable.
Not surprised a Massachusetts kid has a WICKED shot...
Not surprised a Massachusetts kid has a WICKED shot...
It’s been a while. Wahlstrom has had an NHL shot since before he was even drafted. Pulock has a ridiculously hard shot, but Wahlstrom gets it on net a majority of the time.I dont know if we have had a guy that can shoot the puck like that in my lifetime
Wahlstrom with his first multi-point game. Loving what I'm seeing, Dat shot though...
The kid says he's enjoying playing the right way, he gets it. Bright future for him.
It’s been a while. Wahlstrom has had an NHL shot since before he was even drafted. Pulock has a ridiculously hard shot, but Wahlstrom gets it on net a majority of the time.
Glad the Rangers outsmarted us and took Kratstov.
Pulock has a ridiculous shot, but its not accurate. Wally seems like he can and wkll pick corners. That goal tonight reminded me of something very few players in the world could consistently do (Stamkos,Ovechkin, Laine esq.)