BACK IN THE SHOW
Killing penalties in the minors has allowed Nikolay Goldobin to understand the importance of being responsible defensively, and appreciate the benefits
“I never played PK early in my life and it’s hard. I decided to do this and hounding players ... helps me battle for the puck.” — Nikolay Goldobin
The offensively gifted Nikolay Goldobin is killing penalties.
This will not kill the NHL aspirations for the intriguing Russian right-winger. It will only enhance them.
And because chasing pucks has become a recent addition to Goldobin’s professional pedigree — whether in a defensive or offensive posture for the Utica Comets — his road to becoming a mainstay with the Vancouver Canucks has shortened. The offence speaks for itself. Seven goals and 12 assists in 18 games with the Comets and leading the American Hockey League club in scoring is going to get the 22-year-old Moscow native noticed. Being just as good without the puck as he can be with it is going to get him to get back to The Show for a longer stay.
“I never played PK early in my life and it’s hard,” Goldobin admitted following a Monday practice after being recalled Sunday by the Canucks. “I decided to do this and hounding players has helped me a lot, helps me battle for the puck.”
It’s why Goldobin spoke with newfound optimism. He knows he can’t be a one-dimensional game-breaker — even though his fast feet and release quicken the pulse of fans and the hockey operations department — and he knows Canucks coach Travis Green won’t coddle him.
“I played those (three) games for him in Utica last year and I know he’s hard on guys,” said Goldobin. “And, of course, it’s a good thing. He’s pushing you all the time to make you better.
“If he doesn’t care about you, it means you’re done.”
Goldobin alternated practice shifts with Thomas Vanek in a combination with Alexander Burmistrov and Sam Gagner.
He may or may not play Tuesday against the New York Islanders or Thursday against the Nashville Predators. But either way, that’s OK. He’s here to learn systems, be evaluated and be immersed in the day-today culture of becoming a consummate pro. If he plays, that’s a plus.
That’s why his improved threezone awareness — and contributing to an AHL penalty kill that was tied for ninth in efficiency — is as impressive as his offensive output. The Canucks are finding out how a guy known for a fun-loving attitude has embraced the tough stuff under Comets coach Trent Cull.
“He’s giving me that push,” added Goldobin. “He’s showing me with video when I’m doing something wrong and something right. And I’m thankful. I was disappointed in myself (not cracking Canucks roster) because I’m only human.
“But I had to understand when everybody talked to me that it’s a process and I want to get better and get confident. I’m working hard. And even the practices are better here because the puck is moving quicker.”
Green knows there’s a teaching element that goes into developing players and patience gets tested. Being hard on mistake-prone young players or sitting them are part of what’s best for the player and team.
Jake Virtanen is the poster boy for that mantra. His 9:45 of average ice time is a product of not being on special teams. That should catch Goldobin’s attention because even the penalty kill can add more minutes and more value to any club.
“That’s the whole idea,” Green said of the Goldobin plan. “It (penalty killing) is going to give him a different feel. Young, offensive guys look at the game offensively and in today’s game, you have to understand defensive responsibilities and the importance of it and the hard work it takes to play well.
“You have to win puck battles to kill penalties and you can’t just rely on instincts. Good penalty killers have good hockey sense and it’s not a glorious job.
“He’s got a lot of upside. Obviously, an intriguing prospect for us.”
The Canucks saw something in Goldobin when they sent Jannik Hansen to the San Jose Sharks in a Feb. 28 trade. Goldobin’s game was raw, but 41 points (15-26) in 46 AHL games before the trade last season piqued their interest.
And with the frequently scratched Hansen appearing in 13 of the Sharks’ first 24 games this season and accumulating one assist, the trade is tipping in the Canucks’ favour.
Goldobin is nine years younger than Hansen and could have a bright future. It’s up to him. He was told that much in a telling post-practice interaction with Ryan Miller in April. They took a knee at centre ice and the veteran stopper told the discouraged kid that he had a good practice because he needed to hear that.
“I remember,” recalled Goldobin. “Those were big words for me because I was really upset at the time. He said: ‘Hey, listen kid. Just work hard every day and you’ll get your chance. It’s your future, you’re just a young guy.’”
OVERTIME: Brandon Sutter (upper body) flew back to Vancouver on Monday to start his injury rehab. Erik Gudbranson skated before practice and will remain with the club.