For those that live outside Detroit, you'll have to trust me that Wings fans beat up on Mikael Samuelsson. Well... they used to beat up on him. He was not quite in Brandon Lyon territory, but he was usually the first on the list of players the team needs to dump. He never scored, he sucked on the power play, and he was taking a valuable roster spot away from (overhyped young player X).
I recall when he first came to the Wings in '05. He was a late addition during training camp and likely bumped Jiri Hudler back to Grand Rapids for the season. The move paid immediate dividends as the unknown Samuelsson scored 6 goals in the first 8 games. The Red Wing brass uncovered another Swedish gem! His scoring tailed off a bit, but he still finished with a solid 23 goals. Then came the playoffs - the time when a whole slew of new Red Wing fans start to tune in. Before exiting after six games to Edmonton, Samuelsson notched one solitary point - an assist.
The following season, his scoring dropped to 14 goals, and the next year it dropped even further to a shocking 11 goals. He did manage 5 goals in the playoffs, but the public's opinion was confirmed - Samuelsson must go.
I fell prey to the complaining as well. My main complaint against him was his shot selection. Samuelsson evidently has one of the hardest shots on the team. Yet, his shots rarely make it to the net. They're either blocked or off-target. For a guy who works the point on the power-play, his shot needs to be on net. Otherwise, the ricochet can lead to a breakaway the other direction.
So, he's not perfect. But he's been absolutely astounding the last three games. With all of Red Wing nation watching, Samuelsson scored the game winner in Game 7, and then notched two more in the following two games. There was a time against Chicago when I actually mistook him for Datsyuk! He was twisting and twirling and possessing the puck like a master. At intermission, one of the Vs. color guys mentioned how he's going to cash-in this summer as a free agent. Wait - Samuelsson?! Cash in?! It's true. Gotta give the dude some credit. He's played well.
Hey Steve,
ReplyDeleteDefinitely agree w/ you on Samuelsson's production this post season. Did have a clutch goal in game 7 against the Ducks but you're probably reffering to the game winner in game 2 against the Hawks. Checking back, he also had the game winner in game 1 against the Hawks. Look at 5:14 of the video listed as URL next to my name. One thing that's interessting is that despite having a hard slapshot (as you mentioned) almost all of his goals this post-season are on the wrist shot (3 wrist shots, 1 backhand, and the third goal in game 7 against the ducks somewhere between a wrist shot and a one-timer). In particular looking at this highlight in game 1 against the Hawks he fakes the slapshot to freeze two defensemen then uses the wrist shot to hit his mark. Also he's done an improved job of skating into space these last two series.
Damn impressive observations, Doug. I didn't even think about the fact that his goals were on wrist-shots. Perhaps that's why he's had more success? He's known more as the slapshot guy, and the scouting report must say that his shot is easily blocked. If he is actually altering his game, then I gotta give the dude even more credit.
ReplyDeleteAs expected, no complaints on local radio about Samuelsson. Let's see how long it lasts.