Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin singles out performance from Elmer Soderblom
Photo credit: https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/elmer_soderblom_makes_2024_25_debut_for_detroit_red_wings/s1_17352_41621568
The towering Red Wings forward played in his 1st NHL games since 2022-23 this week against the Flyers, and he's looking forward to more.
While the Detroit Red Wings were beaten 2-1 in overtime in Tuesday night's game against the Philadelphia Flyers, it featured the return of towering 6'8 forward Elmer Soderblom to the Red Wings' lineup.
Soderblom, who hadn't played for the Red Wings since 2022-23, was re-called to the big club from the Grand Rapids Griffins and even had a prime scoring chance in the 1st period.
Captain Dylan Larkin, one of a handful of players still on the Red Wings roster from Soderblom's brief tenure in the NHL two years ago, loves his combination of both size and skill and how he puts it to use.
«His size and hands stick out right away, but [Soderblom] was engaged. I think he made a lot of really good plays. It would have been nice to see him get one on one of those chances early, but what he brings to the table is great to have. I was really impressed with his attitude and the way he handled himself.»
Meanwhile, coach Todd McLellan stated that he was "very happy" with Soderblom's performance - especially getting to see him up close and personal for the 1st time.
Very happy with him. Again, not knowing what to expect, just hearsay around the locker room or the organization. Right from morning skate, he looked like he fit in. He played with some authority. I thought that fourth line had an identity.
McLellan also noted that while many tall NHL players often don't have good stick handling skills, that isn't the case with Soderblom.
There's big players in the NHL, but others don't have the hands and the instincts. Then size just becomes one-dimensional. I think Elmer has the other tools to go with it, so once he learns to use it effectively and to leverage it against defensive players while he's looking for people to make plays or the timing of using it to get to the net, it can be a factor.
Now we got to remember, he grew up on a different sheet of ice. Game is played a little bit differently. He's had enough time now to come over, adapt and learn to react at the American League level, so it'll be a test for him now.
Now we got to remember, he grew up on a different sheet of ice. Game is played a little bit differently. He's had enough time now to come over, adapt and learn to react at the American League level, so it'll be a test for him now.
The Red Wings are expected to keep Soderblom in the lineup for tomorrow's pivotal matchup against the divisional foe Montreal Canadiens, who have caught fire the last several weeks and risen from last place in the Eastern Conference to the midst of the playoff race.
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 22 | 149 ANSWERS Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin singles out performance from Elmer Soderblom Should Elmer Soderblom remain in the Red Wings lineup for the rest of the year? | ||
| Yes | 136 | 91.3 % |
| No | 13 | 8.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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