Dallas Stars Bold Predictions: Nichushkin Scores 30

Apr 8, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars right wing Valeri Nichushkin (43) rests on the bench during the game against the Nashville Predators at the American Airlines Center. The Stars defeated the Predators 3-2 in the overtime shootout. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

It’s almost time! The Dallas Stars finally got back to work on Friday in Fort Worth as training camp opened. The summer has seemed long for a team that believes they deserved a better fate against the Anaheim Ducks in round 1. You can bet this team is hungry as ever to improve upon a very successful 2013-2014 campaign.

In the newest segment that will run on Blackout Dallas, we will forecast what we believe to be the top 5 boldest predictions for the upcoming season.

Today we unveil No. 4

4. Valeri Nichushkin Will Be a 30-goal scorer

Elevate and you will accumulate.

The above sentence is one that you may have heard Dallas Stars colour commentator Daryl Reaugh use a lot last season. More specifically, he would use it when describing a scoring chance for 18-year old Stars rookie Valeri Nichushkin.

Last season, Val Nichushkin entered the world’s best hockey league as a raw 18 year old talent from Russia. He has a big body at 6’4”, 205 lbs. and possesses top notch talent to shoot the puck, see the ice, and dominate the boards for years to come. He spent most of last season bouncing around the lineup. He would spend some games on the top line with Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin, other games on the third line with Shawn Horcoff and Ray Whitney, and he even found himself in the press box as a healthy scratch a couple of times.

But, this year will be different. This season will be a breakout season. A season in which Nichushkin will score atleast 30 goals. Here’s why.

1. Maturity
-At times last season the 18 year old seemed worn down. He would be all over the ice creating offensive opportunities one night, while the next night you could not even find him with a magnifying glass. This was due in part to his maturity level. With a full NHL season, plus playoffs, under his belt, his mindset will be altered heading into 2014-2015. Not only will his mind be refreshed heading into the season, he will be noticeably bigger and stronger. Nichushkin is likely still growing at the age of 18 and is most definitely still filling out a very large frame. When the season starts, his height and weight will have to be adjusted from last season’s opening night program.  With Val’s increase in maturity, it will free him up from no longer overthinking what his next responsibility is. Instead he will be able to let the game flow and live in the moment of contest. Living in the moment is so crucial for a youngster’s development, that when they do find the ability to play in the present, they start to do great things. A great thing for Valeri Nichushkin will be putting the puck in the back of the net 30+ times this season.

2. Linemates
-As we mentioned above, Nichushkin never really seemed to find his fit on any given line last season. He spent most of the season with Benn and Seguin, but when playoffs came along, he was often subjected to third line minutes. This season will be different for Nichushkin in that regard. With all the top heavy talent the Stars will have this season; Nichushkin is bound to find everyday linemates. With the addition of pass happy Jason Spezza and Ales Hemsky, Nichushkin won’t find it hard to increase his shot total from a season ago. As long as he continues to put the puck on net when he has it delivered by Seguin, Spezza, Hemsky, or Benn, he should not have any trouble tickling the twine 30+ times this season.

3. Consistent Systems
-When Nichushkin was able to make the jump straight from the KHL to the NHL, nobody thought he would have such a tough time trying to adjust to the flow of the game in North America. On many occasions last season, Nichushkin would get the puck and look like he was ready to take off. He looked like he wanted to take the puck down the wing, cut in front of the net, and put home a patented power forward type goal. The only problem was the ice rink he was playing on was much smaller than the one he was used to playing on in Russia. Therefore, on many occasions Nichushkin would get the puck and take off up the wing, only to have to dump the puck or put it in a safe spot so he could go off and change. With a season’s experience in the back of his mind, Nichushkin now has a better sense of where his opportunities lie. With Nichushkin becoming more familiar with the system of the North American game, I believe his game will be faster, smarter, sharper and more consistent than last year.

What does everybody else think? Is Val poised to score 30 this year? Why or why not? Leave us a comment below!