Aftonbladet’s Per Bjurman offers a simple take on Simon Edvinsson’s performance for the Red Wings over the course of this season, as evidenced by his 2-goal outing against the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday:
A new Swedish sheriff has established himself in Detroit
New York. A new Swedish sheriff has established himself on the Detroit blue line.
Simon Edvinsson scored both the game-tying and game-winning goals when the Red Wings tied and won against Minnesota last night.
“I’m gaining more and more self-confidence,” said the 22-year-old Gothenburg native after the 3-2 victory.
They’re used to big Swedish defensemen in Detroit, and now it’s starting to dawn on the fans that they have a new one on the way.
It’s Simon Edvinsson who’s a great talent they knew of and were aware of themselves before, but it’s only this season that he’s fought his way onto a regular spot with the team–and only last night that he showed how seriously what a difference he can make.
The Red Wings had just reduced the 2-0 lead that Minnesota acquired in the opening period when Simon, 13:12 into the 2nd period, dusted off a slap shot from the blue line–in the middle of his stride.
But that was just the beginning.
In the middle of the 3rd period he struck again–in an all-Swedish show. Elmer Soderblom brought the puck into the Wild zone and played it on to Albert Johansson. As in turn, the gangly youngster from Gothenburg found a delicious sandwich of a pass–and a moment later, another puck sat in the net behind Filip Gustavsson.
Which would determine the course of the game.
“The pass from Albert was incredible. He plays outstandingly well,” Simon said when he met the media afterwards.
“It feels great that we’re getting confidence in such situations, that the coach believes in us. You want to do everything to show that you deserve that trust.”
After a night like this, no one can say anything other than that Simon showed that trust.
“I’ve felt good all season, I’m getting more and more confidence and feeling confident with the puck,” he continued.
“But this is still my first season up here, and I’m trying to take in everything, and learn things all the time. It’s great to have so many veterans around me who can help.”
One of the veterans, Erik Gustafsson, also contributed to the 3-2 victory, which until further notice, places the Red Wings on the first wild card spot in the Eastern Conference standings.
