Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Bork Bork Bork

They may have been exhibition games when you score 4 goals in back to back games you get our attention as New York Ranger 2007 6th round pick Carl Hagelin did. When you toss in that in both games Hagelin scored the game winning goals and you have our Prospect of the Week for the week ending on October 4th.

Hagelin a 6' 180 lb forward from Sodertalje in Sweden is beginning his junior year at the University of Michigan. Hagelin is known as a notorious slow starter as a scorer which makes his season debut such a pleasant surprise.

On Saturday, against the Team USA Under-18 team, Hagelin collected the first of his 2 goals by cashing in on a rebound in the 2nd period. In the 3rd period, Hagelin scored on the power play with just 1:28 remaining to give Michigan a 4-1 lead (USA scored in final seconds for a 4-2 final score).

Hagelin earned the game's second star for his efforts.

On Sunday against Windsor, Hagelin scored his other 2 goals and added a primary assist on 3 straight goals as Michigan won 6-2. In this one, Hagelin was the end of a very nice tic-tac-toe passing play as he cashed in again on the power play at 8:18 of the second period which tied the game at 2-2.

Later in the same period, Hagelin (again on the power play) carried the puck into the offensive zone, he sped up and got behind the Windsor defense cutting in on their goalie where Hagelin shifted to a backhand for his 2nd goal of the game and eventual game winner. In the 3rd, Hagelin found Louie Caporusso in front who scored to give Michigan a 4-2 lead.

Hagelin earned the game's first star in this one.

Hagelin last season had 13 goals but he should have a lot more as Hagelin missed on more empty nets or got robbed by hot goalies. One of the best penalty killers on the Michigan squad; Hagelin has established himself as the left wing on the Wolverine's second line.

Hagelin is a great skater who if you want to look for prospects who would fit in John Tortorella's system. Hagelin offers the potential to become an excellent checking forward who also brings in offense.

Last season we expected Hagelin to breakout but it did not happen, we can only hope the prospect who scored a ESPN Sportscenter moment as a freshman finally breaks out. If he does then expect to see him here a lot more.

(Hagelin courtesy of the Michigan Wolverines)

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