Read that he was acquired from Flyers but then another article said that he had signed a contract to play in Russia. Is he in the Lightning plans for this year or has he in fact gone to Russia?
I haven't heard about Russia. He's supposed to be a top 7 guy for us this season, and if not I had heard he was going to play another year in Finland or whatever.
"We knew he was a very skilled player, but what we didn't know was can he play five-on-five against NHL players," Melrose said. "He showed a lot of poise, he was good defensively, and again, if you can play defense against that group of forwards you can play defense against anybody in the world. I was very impressed with Janne."
"And he's been good all camp, he's really come in on mission, in great shape, and right from day one he really jumped out at you."
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What are Niskala's chances to make the team?
"We knew he was a very skilled player, but what we didn't know was can he play five-on-five against NHL players," Melrose said. "He showed a lot of poise, he was good defensively, and again, if you can play defense against that group of forwards you can play defense against anybody in the world. I was very impressed with Janne."
"And he's been good all camp, he's really come in on mission, in great shape, and right from day one he really jumped out at you."
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What are Niskala's chances to make the team?
If he has another good game like the one he had against Pittsburgh, and plays solid defensively, I'd say he has a good chance.
"And perhaps it was just a coincidence, but defenseman Janne Niskala, who has been noticeable and good with the puck, was moved into Hutchinson's seat in the big locker room at the St. Pete Times Forum. He was in an auxiliary room when camp began" (http://blogs.tampabay.com/lightning/)
it looks to me like Niskala has earned himself a spot over Hutchinson (thank god)
It's not a big wonder. The guy is 27 or 28 and has played in top European leagues since he was about 20. He had an excellent AHL season last year (his first in North America) and has enjoyed three or four very productive seasons in a row.
From the minute they picked him up, I've assumed he'd crack the top seven easy - which many NHL fans think is no big deal on the Boltz.
