Philadelphia Flyers ride on momentum built by new defenseman Nicklas Grossmann-NHL News
The defenseman, Nicklas Grossmann, has become a force to reckon with by the new teammates in mere 13 games since his joining of the Philadelphia Flyers on February 17, 2012.
Grossmann was traded to Flyers by the Dallas Stars in exchange of some players and since then he has become a very much noticeable member of the team.
He is probably among a few players to have become a familiar face within the team in so shorter span that it is against the normal period of time, which a player can consume to get to know new teammates and officials.
His popularity among Flyers could be more to his performance than any other factor of his personality or the game of ice hockey. Since his joining the player is able to block 31 shots.
His form also seems to be so contagious as to take along the entire team on the momentum of the exceptionally improved performance. Flyers total blocks have reached to 204 shots after his arrival with average per game increase from 14.9 shots to 15.7 shots.
Apparently, all the teammates and managers have noted the remarkable improvement in the team’s performance and have credited it to the player’s contribution.
Flyers forward, Scott Hartnell, said:
"I think to see a new guy come in like that and give his all for a new team makes you respect a guy. Not knowing who he is or where is he from or what he's all about."
The teammate, defenseman, Kimmo Timonen, said of Grossmann:
"He's been doing an unbelievable job. He's a tough guy, plays hard every game, plays hard every shift. I can only imagine the opposite side-it's hard to play against him because he plays so hard. Good for us. I think our team needed that."
Grossmann during his six-year stay with Stars had developed a reputation of strong and steady defenseman, helping them out on wins at many occasions.
Now, he said to be keen on performing equally good for Flyers and his form in the number of games he has played so far proved him true to his potential and known game skills.
He said:
"I just try to bring what I can to the table. We need blocked shots for (goalie Ilya) Bryzgalov.”
Flyers are currently at fifth position in the Eastern Conference and are clear contenders for the playoffs this season.
The performance of their defensive players is going to be even more crucial in the playoffs run, and if Grossmann and others are clicked to maintain at least current level of their form, it will be a good boost to their hopes of the success in the second
round.
Meanwhile, the current season can be Grossmann’s last season at Flyers. He is nearing end of his two-year contract and set to become an unrestricted free agent from July 01, 2012, for the first time in his career.
It is not clear yet if Dallas are going to retain him on a new contract or else let him explore the opportunity of moving elsewhere off the free agency.
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