Sweden: Jamtin the Agitator

Andreas Jamtin (DET), LW, HV 71

Jamtin’s role in HV 71 is to play physical and be kind of an instigator, which is not very common in Swedish hockey and has been somewhat of a transition for Jamtin, who played on a scoring line for AIK in the Swedish 2nd league last season … tonight, Jamtin succeeded in getting under the skin of the opposition … he finished all his checks and crashed the net with reckless abandon … he made Lulea players lose their temper, which, in turn, earned power plays for HV 71 … Jamtin’s gritty style could very well be what takes him to the NHL, as he balances his gritty side with good skating and stickhandling.

Bjorn Melin (NYI), LW, HV 71

Melin has had a decent regular season scoring wise, but is still waiting for the big breakthrough that could pave his way to the NHL … in this game, however, he found himself demoted to HV’s fourth line and didn’t get much going on either side of the rink … he did showcase some good skating ability, though, as he got a breakaway in the first period.

Jonas Nordqvist (CHI), C/LW, Lulea

Considered a top prospect a couple of years ago, but has encountered setbacks in his career with the transition from junior to senior hockey … this season has been a good rebound effort for Nordqvist, however, as he has managed to establish himself as an above-average SEL player, with the ability to play center as well as wing … against HV 71, Nordqvist played a pivotal role in Lulea’s offense, with lots of time on the power play, also scoring his team’s only goal as he squeezed in a rebound while standing in the slot … he is a very talented stickhandler, possesses exceptional hockey sense, and has a huge frame, though he doesn’t use it as well or as often as he should … despite his numerous assets, however, his lack of first step explosiveness could be what keeps him out of the NHL.

Johan Fransson (2004), D, Lulea

With two defensemen missing from the regular lineup, Fransson took on an even bigger role than usual in this game, ending up playing on basically every second shift, as well as the power play and penalty kill … he responded to the increased ice time by dominating the rink with his tremendous skating ability and mature passing game … loves to join the rush offensively, sometimes a bit too much, however, as he has a tendency to leave defensive gaps on occasion … still can make some immature decisions defensively as well, but most of the time his skating saves the day for him.