Translation of this:
http://www.hockeysverige.se/2015/04/...forward-i-nhl/
The Star of Dennis Everberg: ”Has clearly talent to become a top-6 forward in the NHL
Dennis Everberg has taken the mastodonstep (basically a huge leap) from Allsvenskan straight to the NHL.
The Västerås-born former Rögle-player has impressed his established teammates.
“He has the talent to become a top-6 forward in the NHL” says Matt Duchene.
In the category of unexpected Swedish successes, the rookie-season of Dennis Everberg is seen as one of the big exclamation marks this winter. The 23-year old went straight from Allsvenskan to a spot in Colorado and has impressed many.
One of them is Avs star-centre Matt Duchene who occasionally has had Everberg on his wing.
“He’s playing really well. He has the talent to become a top-6 forward in the NHL. He works hard, has good hockey sense and talent. Now he’s playing in a different role and does it well, but it’s fun to see him grow as a player and a person. I really like playing with him” says Duchene who adds:
“He’s a quiet, but funny guy. All the time we laugh at something he does or says. And his hair is everywhere! It’s an awesome guy to have on the team."
He opened everyone’s eyes
The constantly well-spoken captain Gabriel Landeskog has obviously a big pile of good things to say about his new teammate as well.
“He has done it well. He probably felt before the season he would be in the AHL for some time, but surprised in the training camp. He was very good there and he opened everyone’s eyes so he stayed (in the NHL). He was very effective."
Everberg had a shoulder injury in autumn and got to play in the AHL after that, but has since played regularly for the Avalanche.
“He has gotten better and better as the season has gone on. You can see how he feels more and more comfortable. He has the courage to do things, to keep the puck and make drag-moves. He will be a really good player, and has really good hands for being so tall” says Landeskog.
Everberg himself hasn’t thought about much more than to keep working as hard as he can. It clearly takes you a long way. In 53 games Everberg has produced 12 points (3+9) and had an average of 11:54 of ice time/game. Clearly a passing grade if you are undrafted and come directly from the 2nd division in Sweden.
“It has gone a bit better than expected. If you look back on the season, I still came from Allsvenskan. Obviously you’re disappointed as you want to perform better.”
“I went to training camp with the target of getting a place in the NHL, and then you see where that leads you. I went 100% every day, which is the only thing you can do.” (says Everberg)
What does the coaching staff want from you and your contribution?
“I don’t know, we haven’t talked that much. I would presume that it is what I do now. I’m fast and I shall forecheck. Then there are things I can improve on. In a perfect world they want me to keep the puck in the (attacking) zone and create long attacks, like a normal 3rd-liner.”
That step from Allsvenskan to the NHL then? We are very curious how huge it is.
“It is quite big. The physicality brings a big difference. Everyone is so much more physically developed here. Then the tempo, you have no time here. There are not many mistakes here, but when someone makes one it’s in the back of your net (loose translation). That is the big difference between the NHL and AHL. In the AHL there are lots of mistakes."
“He flashes and makes some nice dekes”
Gabriel Landeskog can see how Everberg is starting to get acclaimed more and more with the North American playing style.
“When it comes to the system, it is a bit different than home in Elitserien (SHL). I think he has noticed that in the last few months. In the beginning you could see he wanted to search for more time and things like that, but there really aren’t those spaces on the ice here. You can see he is starting to think and feel where there are any free pockets of ice here, where he can get some more time and what he should do to be effective” says Landeskog who has a clear analysis of Everberg’s qualities.
“He flashes and makes some nice dekes, he is very effective in covering the puck, and big and strong in the corners. He is also really good on the PK.”
Landeskog tries to help him where he can, but says that the acclimation is a process and for the most part Everberg has to go through it on his own.
“A bit, but on the other hand I felt a bit like I had to learn it on my own when I came here. I think Dennis has noticed this, and he has done really well. He’s really alert and is listening what guys are talking about. For everyone who comes over (from Europe to America), it is a really good quality to have."
Everberg himself if thankful for Landeskog’s presence.
“I think it’s awesome. It makes you feel secure and safe to have a Swedish captain, obviously” (loose translation).
(here some stuff about the SHL which isn’t relevant in the NHL context)
Have you had any wow-moments so far?
“I had time to think after we faced Pittsburgh. Crosby came against me as I stood on the red-line, stood on my heels and he played right through me. Then other times I have skated and hit a wall and someone has hit me. There aren’t anyone who let’s up here” says Everberg and smiles wryly when Wow-moments are talked about.
How fun has it been to play here then?
"It is awesome. It is something you dream about your entire life, something to strive to achieve. Sometimes you have to stop and think where you really are. You appreciate it."
