Here Is A Nice Goal From Prospect Oscar Lindberg
The Swedish Elite League playoffs are currently ongoing, with New York Rangers' prospect Oscar Lindberg playing for Skelleftea in their matchup against Brynas. Last night he had a fantastic game, with his primary contribution being a goal in which he put on a nifty deke and then backhanded the puck by Brynas goaltender Johan Holmqvist (yes, that Johan Holmqvist). He also had a primary assist on a goal by Viktor Arvidsson, whose celebration was...interesting. Here are the highlights.
Rangers European scout Anders Hedberg is on record saying that Lindberg and fellow Swedish prospect Jesper Fasth are playing their final season in the SEL and will come to North America once it is over. What he didn't say is whether they could make that transition this season once their seasons in Sweden end, similar to what Chris Kreider did last year. Lindberg's numbers this season are pretty staggering, with 44 points in 52 games; a very stellar number for a 20 yer old in the SEL. And his defensive game is even better than his offensive game. While the SEL is still a step below the NHL, it's still a professional league and a league that is likely superior to the AHL. One has to wonder if Lindberg could step in immediately help address the sore need for offensive depth.
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Oscar is an interesting player and with his work-ethics I'm sure he'll fit perfectly in the Rangers organization. Plays mostly in the 3rd line, but gets plenty of PP-minutes as he is usually in the first PP-lineup. Quick, comfortable with the puck and can deliver passes even in high-speed. Might need to gain some "NHL-pounds" before being able to settle in, but yeah! Love what I'm seeing from him this season. My dad is from Skellefteå, so it's double-exciting to see him play :)
Say what you want, but players from Sweden play "The right way"!!!
Rangers need more Hagelin's that can score. Both players with help the Rangers. Right now Hagelin makes any line he plays on better! If Lindberg and Fasth can do that, just imagine how leathal our 3rd line could be. Players that don't score, and help win games will be replaced. And that my friends, can not happen Fast enough!!!
Not for nothing, but he has nearly twice as many points as Ethan Werek, and Lindberg plays in a league with better players. Well done Sather and Clark, well done!
I'm excited about this prospect. He looks like the real deal. But can't keep waiting for the future forever. We brought in Nash to win a cup now with Henrik in his prime. Devastating that Gaborik is now apparently damaged goods and Richards has inexplicably cratered.
@TheNYRBlog Kevin did you see the hit he threw on one of the videos? We could use that YouTube oscar Lindberg hit
Lindberg fasth and Hagelin line one day? Wow that kid Lindberg has some talent. Hopefully he makes the team next year
@aj_ranger Happy to be wrong on that one. Will never doubt Gordie Clark and Anders Hedberg again.
@surlysailor Ha! I killed that trade when it happened. I thought Werek had much more offensive upside. Last time I disagree w\/ Gordie Clark.
@TheNYRBlog haha I was really surprised at it, but man did we kill phx on that trade. Can't wait to see ol & fasth in rangers blue
I would throw these two guys into the mix in Hartford first. Carl Hagelin was a speedy demon on the ice in his first playoff with the Whale in 2011, but it wasn't until the next season that his offense game developed. I like that development track better.
@MichaelCWalsh I think that is what is going to happen. I always believe that it's better to leave prospects in the AHL a few months too long than it is to bring them up too early. Still, it has to be mentioned as a possibility.
@MichaelCWalsh Agreed. I'm always suspect of prospects coming out of the SEL. Look at Zuccarello and Erixon.
