Magnus Paajarvi: demanding attention

My Magnus Paajarvi autograph

Magnus Paajarvi - You should probably get use to the name, I suspect you will hear it a lot this season.

After completing his third season with Timra IK of the Swedish Elite League. The 6'2", 201-pound left-winger from Norrkoping, Sweden, finished third in team scoring with 29 points (12G, 17A) in 49 games. He then led Sweden with nine points in nine games at the world championship. It was at this stage that the 10th overal pick of the 2009 draft was convinced he was ready for the NHL, and boy did he prove it last night.

A dazzling 4 point game last night, including a hat trick, Paajarvi is grabbing the attention of the fans. Ray Burnt of Oilers Jambalaya gave a 10 out of 10 performance for Paajarvi, and I have to agree with the score. Personally, I have only seen two live games. One was a 2 goal night, and a damned close hat trick, in Penticton vs the Canucks. I wrote this about him after my first viewing:  "Paajarvi had a wonderful game; he's not as noticeable as one would expect as he doesn't dangle around the ice like Eberle. Instead, Paajarvi has one focus and that's to get the puck on net."

Last night was another consistent outing that again saw Paajarvi's main focus is to get a shot on net. He's a dominating force who doesn't squander a chance. He's persistent and quick and makes his time count. It's a breath of fresh air, as I've been frustrated with the likes of Hemsky and company for the past few years. Too many lost opportunities and too much piddling around with the puck. I want results and Paajarvi is the guy that is making me jump out of my seat.

Exciting times in Oil country.

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Next game Oilers vs Canucks. Sunday @ 6 pm mountain time Rexall Place.