Seattle Kraken prospect Jani Nyman had a breakout performance yesterday with the Coachella Valley Firebirds scoring a goal and adding two assists in an 8-2 victory.
Seattle Kraken prospect Jani Nyman had a breakout performance yesterday with the Coachella Valley Firebirds scoring a goal and adding two assists in an 8-2 victory.
The Firebirds found themselves down two goals just 10 minutes into the first period but remained calm and worked their way back into the game. By the end of the first period, the Firebirds had taken the lead.
Nyman picked up his first assist of the game on Nikolas Brouillard's goal which made it 3-2. Seven minutes into the second period, Nyman scored his fifth goal of the season to extend the Firebirds' lead. Luke Henman won the faceoff and Nyman was first to the puck. He knocked it back to Brouillard at the point and worked his way into open ice. Brouillard spotted Nyman in the slot and he was able to muscle a shot past the Tuscon Roadrunners goaltender.
Nyman picked up his final assist of the game on Jagger Firkus' fifth of the season.
The 20-year-old winger now has five goals and eight points in 15 games in his rookie campaign but his play has continued to improve. He's recorded two multi-point games and scored goals in back-to-back games for the first time in his AHL career.
Listed at 6'4, 217 lbs, Nyman has physical tools that very few players possess. His first season in the AHL will likely be a learning period for the youngster as he continues to learn how to use his body to be a dominant figure on the ice.
His ability to win body position in high-danger areas and protect the puck around the boards will be what separates him from other players.
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