20-Year-Old Vancouver Canucks rookie Jonathan Lekkerimaki Scores Gorgeous 1st NHL Goal Against the Islanders
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Photo credit: Canucks Daily
In just his second career NHL game, Vancouver Canucks top prospect Jonathan Lekkerimaki has scored his first NHL goal against the New York Islanders in spectacular fashion.
Jonathan Lekkerimaki was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks 15th overall back in 2022, and ever since his name was called, fans have been eagerly waiting for his NHL arrival.
After an amazing training camp and pre-season, we figured when he was sent down to the AHL Abbotsford Canucks, that it would only be a matter of time until he got his shot, and he has greatly impressed so far.
At just the young age of 20, it was uncertain if his overall game would be ready to step right into the NHL. Even if you take away his goal tonight, his 200-foot game has really shined already. Lekkerimaki has quickly become a fan favorite in the eyes of the fans and the organization.
«He played really well today,» said Miller. «He makes a lot of little subtle plays and he played fast. He seemed to be in the right spot most of the time. I'm very impressed and hopefully he can get more and more comfortable as we go.»
Vancouver Canucks rookie sensation Jonathan Lekkerimaki scores first career NHL goal against New York Islanders
Jonathan Lekkerimaki is good at a lot of things, skating, stick handling, IQ, but ever since he was drafted, his bread and butter skill everyone has been waiting to see was his elite shot, and fans have now saw that tonight with his first NHL goal.
Just 3 minutes into the 1st period, Lekkerimaki was following the play, skating along side the wing of J.T. Miller who entered the Islanders offensive zone with speed. Miller delivered a quick pass to Lekkerimaki who took no time at all and one timed it in the back of the net for a beautiful snipe where Ovechkin calls home.
It seemed that as a shooter, he followed the advice of head coach Rick Tocchet, who told him to be himself, and to be a shooter.
«The only advice I gave him, we had a two-on-one drill, and he was trying to pass, and I said, "Just shoot it, man. You're the shooter. Guys aren't going to be mad if you shoot the puck,'» Tocchet told reporters after practice today. «That's the only advice I gave him yesterday, is be a shooter tonight.»
It was a special moment for the kid, but even more for the fact that his parents came all the way for Tullinge, Sweden, to watch his debut and now his first career goal in his second career game. Congratulations Lekki!
Previously on CanucksDaily
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 14 | 130 ANSWERS 20-Year-Old Vancouver Canucks rookie Jonathan Lekkerimaki Scores Gorgeous 1st NHL Goal Against the Islanders Did you think it would take this fast for Jonathan Lekkerimaki to score his first career NHL goal? | ||
| Yes | 69 | 53.1 % |
| No | 61 | 46.9 % |
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