Man Crush Monday : Gabe Vilardi – Halloween Edition

[Maynard]

The real question: Does Gabe drive a BMW?

Salvage title I bet.

 

[Sol]

The real question: Does Gabe drive a BMW?

He does, he cut me off last night in Glendale. When I noticed it was the Kings first Armenian player I let it slide. Next time when you hear a modified BMW going 80 on a residential, don't get mad instead be happy that you're most likely hearing the first Armenian Kings player cruising in your neighborhood.

Great writeup by Stephens

'I had more to prove this year': How Gabriel Vilardi finally arrived

It's taken the 23-year-old Vilardi a while to hit his stride in the NHL, but he's currently leading the Kings with 11 points in 10 games.

theathletic.com

Some interesting notes about his attitude and working hard but also points out how Gabe used to just try to finesse everyoen but now that he's gotten stronger, the base of his game is puck protection/strength and he walks out the skill from there.

It was really noticeable when he was challenging parayko last night, thats one of the only dmen that used to give Kopi tons of trouble and Gabe pretty much dogwalked him all night even when parayko tried to pin him.

Also, did anyone notice after the goal that Vilardi is bigger than Kopitar? Taller, I mean? That's insane.

He’s already bigger than Kopitar? Wat. No way

 

[tny760]

Salvage title I bet.

black with red seats

 

[KINGS17]

Watch these clips of Gabe during his draft year. He’s now doing that kind of stuff to grown NHL men.

Those Spitfire jerseys are pretty sweet.

 

[JeanBlanc]

The key to Vilardi’s success is nutrition.

Pump the brakes. Where's the salt and pepper, bud?

 

[Steve Zissou]

 

[JeanBlanc]

Great writeup by Stephens

'I had more to prove this year': How Gabriel Vilardi finally arrived

It's taken the 23-year-old Vilardi a while to hit his stride in the NHL, but he's currently leading the Kings with 11 points in 10 games.

theathletic.com

Some interesting notes about his attitude and working hard but also points out how Gabe used to just try to finesse everyoen but now that he's gotten stronger, the base of his game is puck protection/strength and he walks out the skill from there.

Stephens is covering the Kings pretty well for The Athletic.

I'm tracking all mentions of Gabe Vilardi here (currently there's 88 news mentions from pre-season until now):
Gabe Vilardi at lakings-graph.com

Other interesting articles are:

Helene Elliott's profile
After years of injury issues, Kings Gabe Vilardi is flourishing - Los Angeles Times

Hockey Royalty
Gabriel Vilardi is the NHLs best early season story

LA Kings Insider
Armed with a wealth of confidence, a look into Gabe Vilardi's high-flying start to the season

 

[cyclones22]

The thing about Gabe is that he's not just racking up points, but he's dominating shifts. Being in the right place or at the right time you can get an assist or goal on a hot streak. But there are some shifts where he's dominated. Taken the puck and played keep away from the defense, then stick handled and skated his way into an open space to make a clean pass or take a good shot. Only Fiala has done the same on the team.