Ahead of today’s Champions Hockey League game in which Frolunda HC will battle the Adler Mannheim, Rakapuckar.com’s Henrik Lehman penned an article discussing the ascent of Red Wings prospect Theodor Niederbach. What follows is roughly translated from Swedish:
Two goals and three assists in 21 SHL matches [this year], that’s what Theodor Niederbach posted in 20 games last season (3+2 then).
Points aren’t everything, but they say a lot in this case. Niederbach hasn’t taken the expected step. Rather, there are glimpses in some games, such as the Djurgarden away game, when he looked strong and intense, only to fall back and become too soft, passive and hesitant.
“It’s probably something I have to work on, to be ‘in it’ all the time. It’s not possible to go at half sped in the SHL, which is an extremely good league,” says the forward who played for KB65 as his parent team.
Niederbach, drafted by Detroit in the second round in 2020, is a player who is easy to like. Soft wrists, a talented game in his head, also equipped with a really good shot.
He could be so good.
Should definitely be.
But somehow, the teenager needs to return to the real, determined behavior he had when he played [at Djurgarden], when he came out of the board battles with the puck–and scored.
Is it a matter of self-confidence? Hmm, maybe for the most part, it’s so.
“Sometimes you stop and think, it takes energy and ruins your game a bit. It’s important to remove your thinking, to keep going even if you make a mistake. Thats’ what I’m trying to work on. Always be ‘in the game,’ don’t think so much,” says Niederbach.
If you feel that tonight’s Champions Hockey League round of 16 game between Frolunda and the Adler Mannheim (the last one was 10-1 by the halfway point) isn’t much to look forward to, you can always keep your eye on Theodor Niederbach.
If he’s “in it,” or does he take things for granted, does he look cocky, or cautious?
Some fans are afraid that Niederbach will turn into Jacob Peterson, changing teams to develop. Here, I see a difference. Coach Roger Ronnberg, it’s quite clear, really likes the right-handed 19-year-old, and he’s given chances in good situations.
Like now, playing on a line with Michael Spacek and Patrik Karlsson.
“It’s a lot of personal responsibility to be, ‘in it,’ to find the ice, to be free,” says Niederbach, mature in his reasoning, not all incomprehensible to suggest that there is more to get out of him here.
On the contrary, he agrees.
“That’s what I feel myself, that I’ve gotten locked up a bit, that maybe there will be some thoughts when I get into situations, that I can be a bit passive. It’s important to be focused and not think so much.”
I felt that Niederbach took a step forward in the 3rd period against Vaxjo last time, more forward-thinking, more involved in the game’s events. Now this guy, who loves to have the puck, should then play with a Czech who won’t let go. Michael Spacek, then.
How should it go? Maybe it’s going to be bingo.
Niederbach: “He’s like me, he likes to have the puck, I think it’s a lot of fun, and then you can find good games. It applies to me to find the ice where I can get the puck. If I do, I will find shooting positions, then Spacek will find me with his passes.”
Niederbach can play. But he can really shoot, too. His toolbox is well-stocked.
I maintain that if (or when?) this guy takes the next step, then Frolunda’s offense will also take the next step a bit.
Update: FYI:
After winning the first game by a score of 10-1, Frölunda just have to avoid losing by 9 goals in this re-match against Mannheim in order to move on in the CHL playoffs.
Söderblom, Edvinsson and Niederbach all playing. #LGRW https://t.co/K98w7MIk18— IcehockeyGifs (@IcehockeyG) November 23, 2021
