Pat Svoboda on First VHLM Games [2/2]

[StamkosFan 72]

 

 

Against the Oslo Storm, an exuberant Pat Svoboda celebrates his first VHLM assist on Chance Matthews' hat trick goal.

 

Pat Svoboda stepped off his flight from his native Sweden, and within two hours, the 25-year-old SHL star was hitting the ice for the Ottawa Lynx in his first VHLM game as they squared off against the Oslo Storm. His mettle was put to the test with boatloads of minutes, with his 23:33 ice time looking more like the numbers of a defenseman. And while few expected him to impress under the duress of nerves and jet lag, Svoboda flashed offensive potential, driving the play and registering 3 shots on goal. His massive, bulky frame was in stark contrast to the scrawny speedsters he was skating against, and he used it to his advantage, as advertised, in puck battles along the boards.

 

In his third VHLM appearance, also against Oslo, the Swedish right wing garnered his first point. It was not a goal, although he is known for his scoring, but rather it was the primary assist on Chance Matthews' hat trick goal. By setting up Matthews for his third of the night, Svoboda helped the Ottawa Lynx to score their 4th goal of the night. With momentum flowing and Matthews on fire, the Lynx edged the Oslo Storm 5-4.

 

"I was so happy to get a win and a point against Oslo in our third meeting. We played them four games in a row, which was weird, but we seemed to get a good read on them and we figured out how to play effectively against them. I am really enjoying the North American style of play, it's very fast and hard-nosed. And as a team, we've been playing really well lately; since I joined, we're 3-2-0, and those losses were both very close, one goal games. Hopefully, me being here will give our lineup the jolt of fresh energy and the depth that we need," said Pat Svoboda. "There's a lot to take in, but I feel like I've played well. I just haven't gotten the lucky bounce to get one behind the goalie."

 

Svoboda, a famed sniper in his home country, has only posted 6 shots over the last 4 games, and has yet to put one past the opposing netminder. With all the minutes and the opportune power play set up, he was expected by many fans to contribute more and to generate goals for the Lynx. The coaching staff has expressed full faith in the youngster and reminded the press corps that he may need an adjustment period.

 

"He comes from across the pond, and he's used to a lot less minutes and a lot bigger ice. You can't expect his game to translate perfectly when things are a lot tighter. Players are a lot more physical here, and positioning is very different. He will grow in discipline and he will adapt his style of play to counter opposing defensemen. He is working on conditioning now, so I believe he will build up the necessary endurance to shoulder such heavy minutes," said Ottawa Lynx Head Coach Mika Sainomaa. "He's very new, so I just hope our fans can be patient and give him time. Our scouting staff and my crew on the bench all see the star potential in this kid."

 

Word Count: 537 Words (Not Including Titles/Subtitles)

[Sova 53]

Review: Great article giving some context to a nice game. I really like the Image you have included and you went the extra mile with your formatting. This is a great article lacking in nothing in my eyes.