New York. Oliver Ekman Larsson is once again thriving under the Florida sun.
In tonight’s home opener with the Panthers, defender Småland was excellent again – scoring his first goal of the season.
– It wasn’t the hardest shot I’ve ever taken, but even goals like that count, he says with a smile to Sportbladet after the 3-1 win over Toronto.
After two seasons in Vancouver – preceded by eleven in the Arizona desert – Oliver Ekman-Larsson was acquired by the Canucks this summer and there were those who wondered:
Is it over now?
But no, it’s not – not at all.
The 32-year-old Tingsried native quickly signed a new contract with the Florida Panthers and quickly made such an impression that coach Paul Morey has been talking about him since training camp.
– I didn’t hear what he said and didn’t say, I’m just trying to do my job as much as possible, whether in training or matches, says Oliver when we spoke to him after the first home show at FLA Live.
– But things went well, and I think this is an easy team to join, they are very good guys and they play hockey that suits me. At the same time, you will never be completely satisfied. There are things to work on.
Assist by Nylander
Against the Leafs, “OEL” – who currently forms the first full-back duo with compatriot Gustav Forsling – was able to score his first goal for the new club as well. In the final seconds of the first period, he got the puck at the blue line and passed it behind Ilya Samsonov.
– It wasn’t really the hardest shot I’ve ever shot, but this kind of goal is also important.
Kevin Stenlund is also new to Florida this year – and he also scored his first goal last night.
-I really admired him last year, when he played for Winnipeg. He is very difficult to play against. Big and strong, the “OEL” continues.
He is smart at the same time and accepts his role and always does what he has to do. It was fun to see it come to fruition.
William Nylander had the assist on Toronto’s consolation goal.