Niko Mikkola fits his teammate.
Florida Panthers Swedish Defender Gustav Forsling29, has become one of the NHL’s best defenders in the last couple of seasons.
The man really rose to the spotlight in last year’s playoffs as he obscured his opponents one after another in the playoffs.
The relatively late rise of the Swedish to the top is due to head coach Paul Maurice According to the fact that the defender developed physically late.
Forsling has worked tremendously for his physics to develop, and it is also reflected in the tests.
– We keep a record who has been the best in our physics tests. He has won that title several times in the tube, Maurice said at the media before the Four Final.
Panthers Finnish Niko Mikkola He also wonders about Swedish physics.
– Forsling is at a different level. There’s a little bit of tangling. You have to put more hours in the summer, Mikkola would crumble after the Panthers in the morning.
Mikkola himself is in a very good shape. He rarely remains second in the rustling of the goal or at the corners of the trough.
In the Panthers’ internal physics tests, a defending colleague from the western neighbor leaves a Finn.
Mikkola is not entirely sure how he is in the tests. However, the man has a guess.
– I’m not quite sure, but I probably have some good investments. I’ve always had a good condition and I have been physically in good shape.
What are Forsling’s strengths? What about yours?
– Forsyla I can’t have weaknesses. I’m probably pretty good in everything.
Development leaps
Mikkola’s career path is looking for a peer in Finnish hockey.
He has developed into one of the cornerstone of the Stanley Cup master and finalist in leaps and bounds.
Kiiminki’s man still played in the 2017-18 SM League in Tappara, after which he traveled to the St. Louis Blues organization, who reserved him to North America.
The first season was spent in the AHL. Mikkola played the first NHL games of his career at the age of 23 in the 2019-20 season.
– I have been constantly trying to develop and take the next steps in my career year after year, Mikkola says.
Mikkola is grateful to all coaches coaching him in his career, but in particular, two names come out.
– One big coach for me has been Pekka Virta In KalPa, when I got up in the SM League from B junior. Each coach has his or her own stuff, and of course you have to give a credit to Paul [Maurice]who has helped me take the steppers forward here.
– Now I wouldn’t change any coach. They belong to the story of makeup, Mikkola smiles.
Niko Mikkola is one of the most important individuals of the Panthers. He keeps his head clean and has also played a role in the offensive end. Aop