Filip Zadina's Game Is On The Upswing; Talks About Support From Mike Ricci
San Jose Sharks winger Filip Zadina hasn't had the success of a fresh start that he had hoped, but since the All-Star break, his game has taken an upswing.
Dean Tait - Hockey Shots - Filip Zadina's Game Is On The Upswing; Talks About Support From Mike RicciSan Jose Sharks winger Filip Zadina hasn't had the success of a fresh start that he had hoped, but since the All-Star break, his game has taken an upswing.
In 46 games before the break, he had six goals and seven assists. Since returning, he has had two goals and three assists in the five games. Four of the five points came in a game against the Calgary Flames, and his overall play has been more effective.
Sharks head coach David Quinn has praised his work rate the entire season. He has continually said that Zadina puts immense pressure on himself to succeed. After the Sharks' 4-2 loss to the Nashville Predators last night, Zadina talked about what has changed in his game and why skills coach Mike Ricci has benefited him.
"He told me that hard work pays off, but you never know when. It has slowly come in, and [I'm] just trying to do my job," Zadina said. "Work hard for the team, and if I get those chances, I'm trying to score."
Ricci is at every practice helping players develop their small skills. He often works with the centers on faceoffs, wingers on their one-time shots, and general skills to enable them to become better players.
"We've been working on some shooting and O-zone stuff," Zadina said. "He's been working with all of us. He's helping us around the O-zone and how you shoot [to] just be better with scoring."
Ricci may not have been the most prolific scorer, but he was consistent throughout his 1,099 games in the NHL. He scored 243 goals and 362 assists while playing for the Philadelphia Flyers, Quebec Nordiques, Colorado Avalanche, San Jose Sharks, and (Phoenix) Arizona Coyotes.
David Quinn has also noticed the uptick in Zadina's play.
"Very good. He's played well," Quinn said postgame. "Not just because he's scoring. I think he's done a good job in a lot of other areas, and [I'm] really happy for him."
The numbers back up his play, too. According to Natural Stat Trick, Zadina was on the ice last night for ten high-danger scoring chances for and just three against. Even during the Sharks' 4-0 loss to the Golden Knights, Zadina had a great game. Across all situations, he was on the ice for 15 scoring chances for and just three against. He had six high-danger chances for and none against.
Zadina seems to have a weight lifted off his shoulders and is playing more freely, and the points are starting to follow.
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