Wahlstrom had a few decent chances, had an assist, but he still seemed to be lacking confidence for some reason. Outplayed by some younger guys. Got plenty of ice time, especially on the power play, they have him on the point, then they have him sneaking down to the left circle, but he's not really in the scoring areas closer to the net, where the true scoring chances are (2 or 3 pp goals scored close in by USA).
One thing I noticed is, he's by the left circle on the power play with his stick cocked, ALWAYS. The defense notices that, and I think he got the pass ONCE (save obviously). You have to be a little more sneaky about that if you're gonna be a sniper. Can't be so obvious about it.
He definitely has more talent than other alleged snipers we've drafted recently, he's definitely a good skater who skates with powerful strides (better skater than Dal Colle or Bellows), and his stick handling is definitely better than Dal Colle and Bellows (whom I haven't given up on). And he plays with an edge, he'll smash you into the boards. So I like the complete package, worried a little about the confidence.
Also still upset about the 2019 draft (1st round pick). Seeing Connor McMichael dominating like he did yesterday for Canada, seeing Kaliyev looking good for USA, it's just frustrating that our scouting staff pulled a Snow in the 1st round (he always seemed to try to prove he was smarter than everyone by making weird choices). There is no way they should've taken Holmstrom over McMichael, Tomassino or Kaliyev. So many guys drafted after him, even early 2nd round, that would've been better choices. McMichael would've been the ultimate choice there, easily slides into the 2nd line center position for the Isles next year (if they had chosen him). A 2nd line center with a ton of offensive talent, exactly what they needed, and they decide to strike out on a high fastball.
