Like fine wine, this man just gets better with time. JVR immediately fit the Wings system, but he's starting to have a major impact on the game. Last night against the Senators, he was the best Red Wings skater. When we snagged JVR in the off-season, I was admittedly pretty "meh" about the signing. At his age and production, I felt it was likely an acquisition of no consequence. Another aging vet who would help, but certainly wouldn't move the needle. I couldn't have been more wrong. Night in and night out, JVR drives the net harder than anyone else on the team. Night after night, he's having a positive impact on the game.

Besides 2 points and the joy of beating Ottawa, last night's game didn't offer fans much to feel great about. Especially considering how concerning the Wings play has been over the last several games. There weren't many silver linings to be found in that game beyond John Gibson… and James van Riemsdyk.

26 comments

  2. Man, my eyes must have deceived me because AlJo and JBD did not look good at all to me last night.

  3. The thing I hate about him is that he’s aging. I want this man in the Winged Wheel for another 5+ years, always been a fan.

  5. Dude is such a joy to watch in front of net. He has so much poise and creativity and always looks like he has a plan for when the puck eventually comes to his feet.

  6. He was dishing pucks so smartly last night. I share your appreciation after being a skeptic initially.

  8. His use of green greatly bothers me, but unfortunately it’s where his powers come from

  10. JVR was involved in so many good chances yesterday just by going to the front of the net. He needs to teach Ras and soda this. Ras is getting a little better at it.

  12. Just fits the system we need so well. The man is a force net front and the Wings need tha so badly.

  14. I thought JVR was a good signing this and after a rough start to his season, he seems to be proving me right. His veteran presence, positioning, and smarts is something that I hope the young guys are watching and absorbing. If they can learn from him at a young age, they can jump their careers ahead .

  15. These cards are whack because eye test told me that the third pairing was getting caved all game

  16. First legit good netfront guy we’ve had since like… prime Abby maybe?

    Really enjoyed his game with the Wings this year

  18. His hand-eye coordination is elite. Incredible seeing what this guy can do in tight.he’s been an actual great depth signing and I’d be happy to see him come back next season.

  24. People were scorching Stevie for picking up JVR in the off-season. He’s been one of our best forwards for the past month. I thought he would be alright but, straight up defying expectations.

  25. > JVR immediately fit the Wings system, but he’s starting to have a major impact on the game.

    He fits a need that no one else on the team has really hit since like… Bertuzzi left, and even Bertuzzi was meh at it, the last elite net front guy we’ve had was Holmstrom. Abdelkader had flashes, Kasper was good end of last year at it, but we haven’t had anyone hit that style game in and game out. Biggest need we had on the team and JVR fits it like a glove with how good his hands are in tight and how good he is at getting the puck.

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