Photos by Ryan Leopando – Arch City Sports
His highlights have been all over. ESPN. Hockey Night in Canada. NHL Network. A flipbook was even made of his highlight reel goal against the New York Rangers earlier this week. His recent performance earned him NHL Player of the Week. The scary thing is, he is only 22 years old and is just getting started.
Vladimir Tarasenko is on an amazing goal scoring streak. However this streak is different from others. Most streaks consist of a lot of luck; being in the right place at the right time; a lucky bounce here or there. But Tarasenko’s streak has been done with all skill. Weaving in and out of multiple defenders and some at angles no one thought could be scored on. His teammates are even at awe, with teammate Jori Lehtera saying, “I couldn’t do anything but laugh.” This coming from someone who played with Tarasenko in the KHL of Russia.
The goal scoring streak has helped the Blues win seven straight heading into tomorrow night’s match up against the Nashville Predators, who trail the Blues by just one point in the Central Division for the top spot. Sure, the Blues have had some great players in the past, but they haven’t had a true goal scoring threat since Brett Hull. Tarasenko is changing that. Of course, Hull had Adam Oates feeding him, but Tarasenko has Lehtera. The “Lehterasenko” combo has been nothing but brilliant. Tarasenko is now a marked man for opponents, and it’s only a matter of time until he starts getting the treatment by other teams like Hull did. Speaking of Hull, take his #16, flip it upside down, and you get Tarasenko’s #91.
Just think, all this winning has come without some key players due to injury. Paul Stastny just returned from an eight game absence with a shoulder injury, David Backes just returned from a concussion, and TJ Oshie is still out with a concussion. Once they are all healthy, this team will become an even bigger force.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQVnIKUd-6k&w=560&h=315]
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ARHr9r0csI&w=560&h=315]
