Arizona Coyotes 3 Players Who Must Perform In 2015-16
Oliver Ekman-Larsson
Sep 29, 2014; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Radim Vrbata (17) battles with Arizona Coyotes defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson (23) during the second period at Rogers Arena. Arizona won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports
After last season many are saying OEL IS the team, and that is an astute observation. After the Keith Yandle trade, Oliver took over as the go-to-guy on the blue-line, leading the team in scoring with 23 goals, and 20 assists. What’s even more evident that he is THE team-leader, is his power play numbers. Of his 23 goals, 10 were on the power play, and of his 20 assists, 10 were also on the man advantage. That means 47% of his points were on the power play! Other teams need to take note of that statistic when they take a silly penalty, and see OEL out there on the power play.
More from Howlin’ Hockey -> Arizona Coyotes MVP This Season: Oliver Ekman-Larsson
OEL also led the team in shots on goal with 264, far ahead of his closest competitors, Shane Doan and Tobias Rieder who both had 189. That comes to 3.21 shots a game. He also played an amazing 25:13 minutes per game. Considering the game is 60 minutes long (barring overtime) that is 41% of the game he out there skating, each and every game!
Will he continue this pace, and perhaps even step it up another notch? I don’t see why not. And, frankly the Swedish wonder is improving at a remarkable rate.
Of course, he could use a comparable right-handed blue-line companion to allow him to be even more dangerous out on the ice. So, far it may look like Michael Stone will get that assignment, but GM Don Maloney has mentioned (without any actual action yet) that they want to add a right side defenseman to complement their star rear-guard. It just hasn’t happened YET. Hey, Don there’s this D-man by the name of Cody Franson, who is STILL a free agent. Maybe give him a call…just sayin’.
Look for Oliver Ekman-Larsson to have a banner year again, and be included in the annual NHL All-Star game. He’s showing the league he is a force to be reckoned with every time he steps out on the ice…
all 25:13 minutes of EVERY GAME.
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