Gabriel Vilardi is projected to lead the team in power play goals
Photo credit: Yard Barker
Since the Pierre-Luc Dubois blockbuster trade, Winnipeg Jets forward Gabriel Vilardi has been a solid presence offensively.
Although the Winnipeg Jets have historically struggled on the power play, Vilardi has always been a threat on special teams.
Vilardi, a net-front wizard, showcased last season a skillset Winnipeg has not seen in a long time or perhaps ever. Nearly all of his goals, including a team-leading nine power-play tallies, came from within a foot of the net and were thanks to his uncanny awareness and stick-handling skills in tight. As Adam Lowry put it, Vilardi can «stick handle in a phone booth»
The Jets' power play, which suffered long stretches of futility last season and finished 22nd in the league, was a lot better when Vilardi was parked in front of opposing goaltenders. He had three more power play goals than the second-placed Scheifele despite missing 35 games with various injuries and an enlarged spleen. A couple of his markers were downright filthy, such as the one above.
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With the addition of new assistant coaches Dean Chynoweth and Davis Payne, Jets enthusiasts are hoping their guidance will be able to take Vilardi's special teams game to the next level.
If Vilardi can stay healthy all season, is a top power-play unit mainstay under Arniel, and the regime improves under new assistant coach Davis Payne, Vilardi could have 15-plus power play markers by the time the campaign is through.
| POLL | ||
27 AOUT | 91 ANSWERS Gabriel Vilardi is projected to lead the team in power play goals Will Vilardi lead the team in power play goals? | ||
| Yes | 65 | 71.4 % |
| No | 26 | 28.6 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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