Predators head coach Barry Trotz has been critical of Colin Wilson’s performance of late. Going into last night’s tilt against the Canucks, Wilson had just two points in nine February games and saw his ice-time fluctuate in the process.
On Tuesday morning, Trotz said of Wilson: “You don’t want to take out the creativity out of a player that has creativity. When you have the puck I want you to make good decisions at the right time. Without the puck I want you to do what I want you to do, plain and simple. That’s an accountability and responsibility you have to me and your teammates.”
Despite not finding the scoresheet, Wilson responded with one of his better efforts of the season against the Canucks.
“What I liked about Willy’s game is that he really used his assets. He’s a big, strong man and a really good skill level. To me he managed the puck through the neutral zone and at their blue line and made some really good plays.”
Wilson had a lot more explosiveness in his game last night, which was demonstrated by his burst from coast-to-coast in the third period that set up a scoring chance. After scoring a goal Sunday in Dallas and following it up with another good effort, Wilson hopes he can string together some consistency.
“These last two games have been a major improvement,” he said. “I want it to continue. We’re going to have a lot games here and I’m trying to stay in that mindset of one game at a time and play hard each game. I’m trying to get on a bit of a roll here.
“When I’m not moving my feet and not focused as much, I’m not a good player. When I am, Trotz says I’m a real good player. That big of a difference is kind of a wakeup call – the fact that I can either be a really good player or a bottom player.”
Wilson showed his ability on both ends of the ice last night, recording two shots and two takeaways in 16:07 of ice-time. He’s one player that Trotz would like to see get back to producing at a consistent level.
“I thought he was really strong,” Trotz said about Wilson’s performance. “He was moving his feet; he had good detail and a good work ethic. If he plays like that he can really be a dominant player.”
***
The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Predators 3, Canucks 1
Smashville 24/7 3 stars of the night:
1. Mike Fisher (1 goal, 2 assists)
2. Pekka Rinne (32 saves)
3. Hal Gill (1 assist)
Recaps around the blogosphere:
| Preds On The Glass | Inside Smashville | Section 303 |
| Predators AJenda | Hockey Night in Nashville | On The Forecheck |
Play of the game:
http://nhl.cdn.neulion.net/u/videocenter/embed.swf
