Embed from Getty Images When a rookie has only played in three games that is hardly reason to break out the anointing oil. But when it is a so-called can’t miss prospect it is hard to not feel excited. That is what Red Wings rookie Filip Zadina did for not only the Detroit Red Wings but also the Wings fans.
Last summer when Filip Zadina fell into Detroit’s lap at #6 in the first round of the 2018 NHL draft Red Wings general manager Ken Holland raced to the podium to make the selection. Holland did not use the full two minutes. Nor should he have with a player like Zadina who was thought to go top three.
“What I like is he’s looked more and more dangerous every game,” coach Jeff Blashill said. “He’s real dynamic on the power play. That is putting it lightly. Zadina has generational talent. He flashed it last night in Colorado when he sent a laser past the Avalanche goalie .
It goes a bit deeper, Zadina saw significant ice time. Over 18 minutes. His 5 on 5 play has gotten better in his fourth game. He was given a shot at the power play where he found the back of the net.
This is why the Detroit Red Wings are giving him a nine game look. They wanted to see if he could grow game to game at the NHL level. He has.
In his fourth straight game since being called up from Grand Rapids on Feb. 23, Filip Zadina was noticeable all over the ice. His defense even took a big step as Filip laid a hit on Ian Cole.
Zadina also jumped on a loose puck in front of his own net and skated the puck up the ice to create a scoring chance in the second period. Again positive steps for the 19 year old. Showing the speed of the game has slowed down for him.
It is because Filip Zadina is a pure shooter/sniper the Red Wings have struck gold. He is destined for 40 goals in Motown. When he makes the team out of training camp. Which could happen next season.
Now what did I say about anointing oil?
