Scored another goal tonight. One thing I love about watching Pulkkinen is that he's not just a big shot from the point. He has that in his arsenal and like The Nose said he's got a great release for his wrister, but I had no Idea how high his Hockey IQ was. He see's the ice great and is a hell of a playmaker.
He also is one of those player that just seems to have above average to great chemistry with everyone he plays with. Last year he was great with Jurco and Sheahan, this year Jarnkrok is almost always on the ice with him and they rotate the other wingers depending on how the game is going.
I also agree with The Nose in that he isn't fast, but he is quick and can surprise you if you think he isn't going to go for the puck in a race. As far as his defense is, I wouldn't put him on your top PK unit but if you had to he could be on the B squad.
He doesn't shy away from physical gameplay, and will throw the occasional big hit. but what is funniest is when a big guy on another team see's little Pulks on the ice goes to run em, and Pulkkinen just uses those leg muscles to thrust himself into the guy last second knocking him on his ass.
At this point I would be shocked if he doesn't make the NHL. It might not be with the Wings since Nyquist, Tatar, and Jurco have established themselves as very highly talented players at the highest level, and Mantha isn't going to be in Grand Rapids for 3 years. The Red Wings have always been Pulkkinen's biggest fans though and have turned down several trades when his name was tossed around in the past. If I had to guess He will be a 3rd liner with PP time on the Wings with Sheahan and either Tatar, Jurco, or Jarnkrok within the next 2 years where they will be the complementary line similar to what we had in our prime years. He will hover around 15-25 goals and 40-50ish points and around age 26ish will either be promoted to full time top 6 or be traded. and Put up much higher numbers making us look bad.