Kukla's Korner Hockey

Kukla's Korner Hockey

How Good Is Vladimir Tarasenko?

10/19/2015 at 8:22am EDT

from Ed Tait of the Winnipeg Free Press,

He made them pay. Twice. And if the Winnipeg Jets didn't already know about the deadly finish of Vladimir Tarasenko, they have the painful evidence now.

The 23-year-old Russian -- drafted in the first round in 2010 by the St. Louis Blues -- was all over the scoresheet in Sunday's 4-2 win over the Jets, finishing with two goals, including the game-winner as the visitors notched their fifth win in six games this season.

Tarasenko had 21 goals in 64 games two years ago, and exploded for 37 in 77 last year. But he now has five goals and nine points in the Blues' first six games this season and there is a sense he's not even close to reaching his ceiling.

"I think it's safe to say I've been around a long time and I've seen some unbelievable guys," said Gomez. "I got to play with (Alexander) Mogilny... but this guy might be at a different level. I don't think we even know the potential. It's almost scary. The closest thing I can think of is when Pavel Bure first broke into the league.

"When this guy gets the puck in almost any area, you've got to think goal almost every time. He's a great kid, he's got a smile on his face all the time and the guys just love him. You can tell he just wants to get better. It's pretty neat. You don't want to take him for granted. He's great for our league. He's a special one right there."

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Paul Kukla founded Kukla’s Korner in 2005 and the site has since become the must-read site on the ‘net for all the latest happenings around the NHL.

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