Not on the ice or in his profession — simply the fundamental life stuff.
Ehlers knew countryman and goaltender Frederik Andersen from their time with the Danish nationwide workforce. Aside from that, all the pieces was new.
“The journey to the rink, the place the grocery retailer is, the blokes, the group, the enjoying fashion, all of that’s completely different,” mentioned the 30-year-old winger, whose membership is taking up the Montreal Canadiens in the NHL’s Japanese Convention remaining. “The fellows made it simpler for me in the room, and all the skin stuff that comes over time, however I really feel nice right here now.
That confirmed on the ice in the common season following a gradual begin.
Ehlers, who signed a six-year, $51-million contract in free company July 3, was held off the scoresheet in his first 5 video games and did not discover the again of the web till early November earlier than setting career-highs in targets (26), assists (45) and factors (71).
Then one thing clicked on a line centred by Carolina captain Jordan Staal and accented by grinding ahead Jordan Martinook, as Ehlers completed second on the workforce in scoring behind Sebastian Aho.
“He is an important participant,” Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour mentioned. “Threw him with (Staal) simply to type of get him in a unique look. I did not know if it actually was gonna translate to something … took off and had an important yr.
“He is obtained an actual good aptitude. He is that one participant for us that is actually speedy and (has) just a bit completely different dynamic.”
Carolina performs a singular, aggressive fashion that features pressuring opponents all around the ice.
Martinook was impressed with how Ehlers, who had two targets and two assists in 9 playoff contests this spring heading into Saturday’s Sport 2 at Lenovo Heart in opposition to the Canadiens, tailored following a decade in Winnipeg.
“Been unbelievable,” Martinook mentioned. “Seamlessly match into our group, after which on the ice it is simply enjoyable to look at him. His skating, his ability, it is cool to be on the market with him.
“He is introduced a component that we have been lacking.”
Staal mentioned a fine-tuned hockey sense permits Ehlers to be an efficient 200-foot participant for a roster that swept the Ottawa Senators and Philadelphia Flyers earlier than dealing with Montreal for the suitable to play in the Stanley Cup remaining.
“Performs sensible with out the puck in addition to with the puck,” he mentioned. “Capable of create one thing out of nothing with his offensive talents. However I feel with out the puck, he understands the sport and understands the place you need to play.”
The defensive facet was one thing Brind’Amour hadn’t counted on when Carolina landed Ehlers.
“His two-way recreation has been one thing we did not anticipate,” he mentioned. “However his dynamic offensive play actually stood out.”
Martinook mentioned that whereas Ehlers would not have the largest body at six toes and 190 kilos, the No. 9 decide on the 2014 draft may be sneaky bodily due to his quickness.
“He can see crimson a little bit bit,” Martinook mentioned. “Not the largest man, however he is highly effective and may get to locations the place different guys cannot as quick.”
Attending to work can be now a lot much less of a problem.
“I need not use the GPS to get to the rink anymore,” Ehlers mentioned with a smile. “It has been an important yr.”
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