Hey, kids, guess what? Hockey's almost here. That means it's time for me to get back into this whole blogging thing that I've neglected during the off-season. Since I lack the creativity to come up with a new gimmick, I decided to continue the Player Profiles series I did last year leading up to the season. I'll be taking a look at a different player (almost) every day between now and when hockey starts. By my count, there are 18 days until the Wings open the regular season. Get excited. Today's subject:
Darren Helm
2009-2010 Regular Season: 75 GP, 11-13-24, +/- -2, 18 PIM
2010 Playoffs: 12 GP, 1-0-1, +/- -4, 4 PIM
Season Highlight: His pair of shorthanded goals on New Year's Eve.
Season Lowlight: His “wake-up call” benching (stick tap to @lizzlefoshizzle)
Helm didn't exactly get off to the start we expected of him last season as he injured his shoulder during training camp. He didn't miss much time, but seemed to struggle out of the gate, even ending up as a healthy scratch in October. Once lined up with Draper and Eaves, he picked things up and provided the solid, speedy two-way play that the Wings were looking for.
If there's one thing Helm needs to work on this season, it's his ability to finish. His speed seems to give him countless breakaways which almost inevitably end with him shooting the puck right into the logo on the goalie's chest. If he can ever figure that out, he'll score a bunch of goals. Aside from that, he contributes strong defensive play and checking. His speed and tenacity pressure opponents into making mistakes and he has a knack for crating turnovers and digging the puck out from the boards.
What he needs to do to make me smile: Cut out the whole Donut Goalie thing.
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