Vasily Podkolzin continues to earn his spot within the Edmonton Oilers’ high six, delivering a standout efficiency within the high six on Tuesday evening, notably whereas enjoying with Connor McDavid. Beforehand slotted alongside Leon Draisaitl, the Oilers try Podkolzin in a number of conditions, all of that are greater within the lineup than many anticipated when the group traded for him this offseason.
Podkolzin has earned his appears and the younger winger lastly notched two assists, ending with a +2 ranking whereas staying relentlessly in wall battles and puck retrievals. His potential to create house and assist Edmonton’s stars has not gone unnoticed.
Vasily Podkolzin is commonly the primary participant on the ice & one of many final to depart.
Coaches are impressed together with his work ethic and method to the sport.
A younger participant who’s been displaying effectively on Draisaitl’s line — stays in his top-six position with 97 again within the fold. #Oilers pic.twitter.com/4MXkLoLIeN
— Tony Brar ? (@TonyBrarOTV) November 6, 2024
Podkolzin, typically certainly one of the first players on the ice and among the many final to depart, is tenacious and one of many group’s finest forecheckers. He leads the group in hits, he’s a succesful penalty killer and he’s bought velocity and talent. Whereas his goal-scoring contact stays a piece in progress, he’s develop into a favourite of the teaching employees.
“He’s doing the little issues proper—successful puck battles, being accountable defensively, and creating alternatives for his linemates,” mentioned head coach Kris Knoblauch.
Knoblauch added:
“The intangibles are actually, actually good, and loads that we recognize. We wish him to proceed to play that means. He’s been enjoying with Leon for fairly a while, and now enjoying with these two, he creates just a little house for them to do their factor.”
Podkolzin Is Lastly Beginning to Put Up Factors for the Oilers
Till Tuesday, Podzkolzin may actually solely cling to the intangibles. He wasn’t placing up factors or seeing outcomes for all of his onerous work. In opposition to the Senators, his two assists confirmed that arduous work pays off.
Regardless of his lack of scoring, Podkolzin’s playmaking potential has made a constructive impression. His two-assist evening included wonderful work in puck retrievals and sustaining offensive stress, attributes that his celebrity linemates probably recognize.
If he can add goal-scoring to his repertoire, he may develop into an much more vital a part of the Oilers’ push for fulfillment this season. Judging by how onerous the ahead works, protecting him within the high six or with McDavid signifies that’s prone to occur sooner reasonably than later.
Subsequent: Damage Replace on Zach Hyman Who Missed Oilers Third Interval
