Wild's Granlund Is A Big Game Gamer
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Mikael Granlund is the soft spoken, high-profile number-one pick who's putting up numbers for the Minnesota Wild.
He has thrived this play-off series, and maybe because he loves the play offs.
"I've been enjoying that a lot. I mean, this is the best part of the season always. Playing the playoffs, having the chance to win something," Granlund said.
But along the way he's caught the attention of Coach Mike Yeo, who has been waiting and hoping he would flourish like he has.
"Big game moments, you know, like whether it's blocking a shot," Yeo said. "We saw him what he did in overtime, we saw what he did in the end of game four, and what I've seen is his game continually getting better, game after game."
His philosophy has been to play hard, stay humble, let others praise and be accountable on the ice.
"Do all you can, make plays and try to help your team to win the game," Granlund said.
And what he's becoming is a big game gamer.
"What I've seen from him is a guy that kind of wants the puck on his stick in those moments of the game," Yeo said. "He's a guy that has confidence, believes in himself and, you know, wants that opportunity, and that's what you want."