Vaakanainen makes mark
Teen defenseman looks solid
There weren’t too many bright spots Wednesday night for the Bruins in their preseason loss to Detroit, but defenseman Urho Vaakanainen’s strong performance gave a glimpse into the future.
The 2017 first-round pick showed poise on the back end in a game that featured rough ice conditions and the team still searching for its chemistry.
On defense, attention has centered on Torey Krug’s return from injury and John Moore’s adjustments to his new team. Vaakanainen likely wasn’t a contender to make the team regardless, but he’s had a solid camp.
“I like him,” said Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy. “I thought he was very good (Wednesday night). Joins the rush effectively, at the right times, pretty smart, gets through there clean. He’s probably figuring out some of the guys, what plays are there to be made, moves well at the offensive blue line. I think he doesn’t look like he gets many shots blocked, so I think he does a good job of finding the lane.”
Despite the praise, the 19-year-old still found some flaws in a contest where the Bruins struggled at times.
“Kind of mixed feelings,” he said. “I mean, I had some bad shifts and then had some good shifts, so kind of mixed feelings. I think I can do a lot better.”
If any young defenseman was to fight for a spot with the big club, it was thought to be Jakub Zboril, who got injured, or Jeremy Lauzon, who has been quiet. Instead, Vaakanainen has thrown a bit of a wrench into the plans. The Finnish defender has taken criticism for not playing the most physical game, but it seems he could silence some of those doubters.
“Because the ice and the rink is smaller, so there’s not a lot of space and time, and the players are like closer to you all the time, so, of course, it’s more physical,” he said. “I think I did well, but I’m a young kid so there’s a lot to prove, but I think I handle it well.”
There’s still plenty to work on, such as fighting for pucks in the corners or fully developing that physical element of his game. He hasn’t backed down from the physicality, however.
“Maybe I’m not that physical like with my body and stuff, but you know, I just try to be hard with my stick and have some skill in the corners so I can get the puck out there,” he said.
Vaakanainen likely won’t be on the opening night roster in Washington on Wednesday, but he’s making the decision difficult. While none of the young forwards have taken a spot, Vaakanainen outperformed several players vying for spots at different positions.
It’s not a bad problem to have.
“Like a lot of young guys, he’ll have to get harder on those small-area battles,” said Cassidy, “but I think that’s normal. I think he’s been really good.”