Yeah, watching the game you can envision him as a 2nd pairing NHL D someday but it won't be next year or the year after. Physically, I thought he played within himself today and didn't go looking for the big hit and taking himself out of position. His puck skills and ability to carry the puck were good but he did get himself in trouble a time or two when he tried to do too much. IMO the biggest area of improvement is just thinking the game like a man instead of an 18 year-old. That's not a criticism but just the reality of a natural progression all prospects have to go through. I'm sure he felt a lot of pressure playing in an important game today for his country against grown men and IMO he acquitted himself pretty well.Outside of blown coverage on a counterattacking penalty killer, Solberg has looked damn solid against grown men. Uses his body to protect the puck well when he's in position, does well to maintain gap control defensively and I saw him line up one hit along the boards. Doesn't look out of place as an 18 year old among men.
Yes Solberg made some mistakes. The physical stuff was there, he delivered another huge hit. He's learning, a year or two in the SHL will do him good.Not as impressive third period for Solberg or Norway. Stian struggled with the rest of the team to clear the zone, had a moment where he tried to get a zone clear and got knocked off balance. Norway's offense hasn't remotely challenged to get the game tied up. Now looks like Denmark is gonna take this barring a miracle.
If you didn't watch the game.
The kid continues to level grown men, he looked pleased with that one...
Some perspective - the guy he hit is 5’11” 190#. That’s like blowing up Terry or Zegras, which is pretty easy if you can catch them square on the boards like that.This.. If he keeps playing like this.. He might get called up.... Him and Gudas or one game.. Please!! lol
lol Ill give you that.. Truth be told.. Hes not afraid to hit.. and you know we need that hereSome perspective - the guy he hit is 5’11” 190#. That’s like blowing up Terry or Zegras, which is pretty easy if you can catch them square on the boards like that.
True but Stian is only going to get bigger and stronger with time. You virtually never see kids his age throwing the body in men's international play. I think it's less about his capacity to step in today and blow NHLers up with hits as much as it is that he's got the confidence and aggression to do it against adults right out of the draft.Some perspective - the guy he hit is 5’11” 190#. That’s like blowing up Terry or Zegras, which is pretty easy if you can catch them square on the boards like that.
lol Ill give you that.. Truth be told.. Hes not afraid to hit.. and you know we need that here
I’m not arguing that at all, I think he has a very bright future.True but Stian is only going to get bigger and stronger with time. You virtually never see kids his age throwing the body in men's international play. I think it's less about his capacity to step in today and blow NHLers up with hits as much as it is that he's got the confidence and aggression to do it against adults right out of the draft.
I’m not arguing that at all, I think he has a very bright future.
I was arguing that he will not be ready to play in the NHL this yea (or nex)r just because he can blow up a small player in a Swedish league.
True but Stian is only going to get bigger and stronger with time. You virtually never see kids his age throwing the body in men's international play. I think it's less about his capacity to step in today and blow NHLers up with hits as much as it is that he's got the confidence and aggression to do it against adults right out of the draft.
Reminds me quite a bit of Vishnevski, hopefully with better defensive awareness (and maybe a bit more offense, too).I think he's trying to make himself known around the league, based on his comments...
Media: The player you hit hard is 35, no respect for the veterans?
Solberg: Nope.
Media: With your physical game, are you not worried about a retaliation or fight?
Solberg: Let them come, they'll regret it.
Players like Solberg and Manson aren't here for a long time, they're here for a fun time.A little worried about his health. It's really hard to play that way for an extended amount of time.
Radko Gudas does not understand your postA little worried about his health. It's really hard to play that way for an extended amount of time.
When I first read this, my brain read Visnovsky. I was thinking, "Man, I don't agree with this take at all!"Reminds me quite a bit of Vishnevski, hopefully with better defensive awareness (and maybe a bit more offense, too).
Gudas also finds that post to be offensive!!Radko Gudas does not understand your post
Zellweger is the new Visnovsky. Solberg can be Vishnevski.When I first read this, my brain read Visnovsky. I was thinking, "Man, I don't agree with this take at all!"
I appreciate the regular updates!Färjestad's CHL has started, they won the first game today in Finland 5-0. Great defensive play, Solberg with 4 hits and an assist. Coach on him: "things will blow up this season".