Article: The Tarasenko Time Machine Is Exactly What the Wild Need Right Now

[Luke Sims]

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[Fezig]

First!

Vlad was one of the reasons I was optimistic about the season. That first month was really deflating and the optimism waned (again). I'm starting to get that pre-season feeling again watching the Russian line. No waning this time - I hope.

[Beast]

A big part of it seems to be the emergence of Yurov.  Particularly at the dot.  I can recall one goal scored off the draw that is a direct result of a big faceoff win by Yurov.

Trenin’s physical forechecking and backchecking also makes it much easier for a guy like him.

I’m not sure whether it’s big differences in his play/effort, or they’ve just found a perfect line combination that fits his current ability.  He can still handle the puck and score, but if he’s not on a line that can get him this opportunities, what can he do?  How many odd man rushes have we seen him on, like the highlight play to Yurov.

I don’t know what his shooting numbers are, but we all know scoring incorporates a fair amount of luck.  I’m sure a portion of it is statistical regression.

Of course, his comments about acclimating to the system is a factor.  Also, having a puck moving and breakout master like Hughes (paired with Faber) is making everyone look better.

I don’t think we should be any more or less excited about him, or that he’s found something he didn’t have earlier in the year.  Just settling into a niche with improved play and chemistry with his line mates.

I still have a healthy amount of skepticism of it being sustainable long-term and that he can be a valuable piece in the playoffs.  But, things are certainly looking better.  They just need to keep that line together.

[FredJohnson]

It's because I said he needs to step up or move on. Yeah, that's it.

[Imyourhuckleberry]

9 points in the last 7 games for Tarasenko. I thought he was playing solidly, usually making the right plays, on offense early in the season, but the results weren't there and the defense was questionable. He has an extra jump in his step with Yurov and Trenin in December. Hope he can keep that going.

Ohgren and Rossi both with first assists in Boston tonight, along with Ohgren putting a puck in the goal on a nice tip. OT time as they ended regulation 4-4.

[FredJohnson]

45 minutes ago, Imyourhuckleberry said:

He has an extra jump in his step with Yurov

Clearly were carrying KK97.

Sarc 😁

[FredJohnson]

The Red Line!

[mnfaninnc]

I think it boils down to confidence. Whatever it is with the new red line, it has him playing with confidence which, in turn, helps him to skate faster or at least look that way. Trenin helps in the corners, and Yurov has some savvy passes. I don't want to say that because they're Russian they communicate better, but I think it has to do with familiarity and playing the game with similar foundations. They kind of know where each other are and what they are going to do. When that happens, everything looks like they play faster simply because they are anticipating ahead of time what is coming next. 

[MNCountryLife]

On 12/20/2025 at 8:51 PM, Imyourhuckleberry said:

Ohgren and Rossi both with first assists in Boston tonight, along with Ohgren putting a puck in the goal on a nice tip. OT time as they ended regulation 4-4.

Interesting that Vancouver is on a 4 game win streak.

[MNCountryLife]

Money Ball is one of my favorite shows.

[WIWild]

On 12/20/2025 at 8:51 PM, Imyourhuckleberry said:

Ohgren and Rossi both with first assists in Boston tonight, along with Ohgren putting a puck in the goal on a nice tip. OT time as they ended regulation 4-4.

Pretty sure Oggie ended up scoring the winning SO goal in the 7th round too. Solid move.

[Pewterschmidt]

41 minutes ago, WIWild said:

Pretty sure Oggie ended up scoring the winning SO goal in the 7th round too. Solid move.

JFC if we watch ogz turn into an nhl’r along with Rossi, and Buium (Brackett would’ve flushed the first) then the bar for hughzy gets even higher

[Imyourhuckleberry]

2 hours ago, WIWild said:

Pretty sure Oggie ended up scoring the winning SO goal in the 7th round too. Solid move.

He certainly did. It was on a nice move too. I mentioned it the night it happened, but that was in another comments section. Canucks play in Philadelphia tonight to see if they can stay undefeated without Hughes, but Flyers aren't bad this year.

Ohgren has only played about 10 minutes per night in 4 games with Vancouver, but has tallied 3 points in regulation and a shootout victory. Don't think he'll keep scoring at that pace this season, but I wouldn't be shocked to see him become a 50-60 point forward with a 200 foot game at some point in his career.

Edited December 22, 2025 by Imyourhuckleberry