Lukas Radil is not your typical NHL rookie. He's big, he's strong and he's 28-years-old. Now he can add NHL goal scorer to that list.

The San Jose Sharks defeated the Arizona Coyotes 5-3 behind the heroics of Radil. San Jose squandered a three-goal lead before Radil skated around Arizona’s net, and back-handed the game winner top shelf with just over five minutes left in regulation.

It was a big win for the Sharks who have been stumbling of late.



By all accounts the newest Sharks is getting has received rave reviews from his teammates, coach and general manager.

“Every time he’s in the lineup, he always brings something positive to the group. He’s a big, strong kid. Wins a lot of battles, and has some underrated skill too.” -Evander Kane


“He’s not your typical first-year player," "He’s smart, he’s conscientious." -Pete Deboer

"Lukas is a big-bodied, puck possession forward who has been playing professional hockey at a high level for seven-plus seasons. He is coming off his most successful year yet, and has represented his country on the world’s biggest stages. We feel his game will translate well to the way we play and we’re excited to welcome him to San Jose." -Doug Wilson

Radil is an impressive young talent and another solid talent for the Sharks. It may not always show up on the score-sheet, but his other contributions have solidified San Jose's bottom six. Something every good NHL team needs.

He may also be another one of those sneaky good finds that Wilson has been know to have ever now and again.

The Czech forward spent the last three seasons playing for Spartak Moskva in the KHL and is coming off of his best goal-scoring season with 16 goals in 51 games. Before that he was a stand out in the Czech Republic. He has eight shots and one goals in six games with San Jose, but I have a feeling this is just the beginning for the rookie.

If you didn't know him before, you better know him by now. I have a feeling he may another valuable diamond in the rough.

San Jose is only 4-4-2 in the last 10 games and in danger of slipping out of a playoff spot if they can't keep it together. The Anaheim Ducks, Edmonton Oilers and Vegas Golden Knights are a combined 20-8-2 over the same span and hot on the Sharks' fins.

The Sharks host the Devils on Monday night. New Jersey will be playing the second of a back-to-back after facing the Ducks on Sunday night.

Thanks for reading,
Steve

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