Jarkko Libre

[Molholt 2,185]

Jarkkooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

 

It has been the only storyline following Jarkko Olsen this season, how much better will he be than last season? We know the numbers, 18 goals, 20 assists, 38 points, 62 hits, and 6 shots blocked. I've wondered how long it would take him to surpass those numbers, and at the exact halfway point of the season, it has happened.

 

Olsen currently has 22 goals, 23 assists, 45 points, 112 hits, and 14 shots blocked. He is currently on pace for 44 goals, which would not only be a season improvement over 18, but also a career high. He is on pace for 46 assists, which would give him 90 points total. That would be 1 point shy of his best season ever, 3 years ago in his sophomore campaign. Olsen's biggest improvement is still defensively. He is currently on pace for 224 hits and 28 shots blocked. 28 shots blocked would be a career high by 8. 224 hits would be 26 hits more than Olsen has had in HIS ENTIRE CAREER up to this point. That's right. Olsen's hit total could be 20+ hits more than the total amount of hits he has amassed in FOUR cumulative seasons of his career. 

 

To me, Jarkko's improvements defensively are the most impressive. Yes, he is also scoring better and is much improved all around, but his defensive improvements are massive. He isn't going to get recognition for his defense, as he isn't a league leader in the category, but his improvements have been amazing to him.