Thomas Vanek and Frans Nielsen weren’t chemistry majors but the chemistry the two have on the ice for the Detroit Red Wings is a major bonus for the team.
Vanek has scored three goals in the past two games and has netted five times in Detroit’s last six games and gives a lot of the credit for his production to Nielsen, his center.
“The biggest part of chemistry is you have to think the game similar. and I think we do,… Vanek said. You can’t force chemistry, it’s got to come, and again, it’s something we’ve had since Day 1.…
The two played as linemates during their time as teammates with the New York Islanders and when reunited this season in Detroit, seemed to have picked up right where they left off.
“I enjoy playing with him,… Nielsen said. “I knew him a little bit from earlier so it wasn’t too hard to kind of find a little chemistry together. But he’s a smart player, he wants the puck and one of those players if you work to get open, he’s going to get it back to you.…
“He’s such a good player. It’s been fun to play with him. We had some ups and downs, just like the whole team here but I think for the most part, we’ve been creating chances.…
Off the ice, the two have also bonded into close friends.
“I’m not sure why, I guess because we knew each other from before but I spend quite some time, especially on the road, with Thomas,… Nielsen said. “We do everything, just hang out and go for coffee or whatever, nothing crazy. Like I said, I know him for a long time so it just came natural.…
When Vanek was looking for a team in the summer as a free agent, he admitted the fact that Nielsen signed with the Wings attracted him to Detroit.
“That’s a bonus I think, again,… Vanek said. “I’ve gotten along with Franzy since Day 1 I got traded to the Islanders, and even when I left we stayed a little bit in touch.
“I was excited he signed here and that was a big reason I decided to come here.…
Nielsen puts Vanek on the short list of elite talent he’s skated with as linemates.
“His raw talent, he’s up there with the best guys I played with,… Nielsen said. “Just his passing abilities to find lanes and he goes hard to the net and spends a lot of time in there. He’s easy to play with in that way.
‘You know if you don’t have a play, you can throw it in there, you know he’s going to be around the net. He’s really skilled in close with the goalies. So he’s up there with the best I played with absolutely.…
Vanek offers similar praise toward Nielsen’s direction.
“It helps 100 percent if you have a guy like him who’s so smart in all three zones, and especially the D-zone,… Vanek said. “He knows when to trust me and leave the zone early, or when to support me. It’s a huge bonus for us wingers.… Follow me on Twitter @asktheduffer