Comparing Wyatt Johnston to NHL Hall of Famer Joe Sakic
It’s not every day that somebody is going to make a comparison of a Current Dallas Stars player to a former Colorado Avalanche Hall of Famer.
Today, that’s exactly what we’ll be doing.
From on-ice play to their personalities, there are recurring themes that fans occasionally notice between Johnston and Sakic. When we break it down, you might start seeing the similarities as well.
While the rivalry between the Avalanche and the Stars is about as hot as it’s ever been, the similarities between the players are there.
Hopefully, Johnston will be joining Sakic one day, getting his name engraved on the silver holy Grail, too.
Play Style and Shot
One of the most recognizable parts of Johnston’s game is his shot. Already one of the most underrated and best in today’s game. Johnston finished the regular season tied with Jason Robertson for the team lead in goals, tallying 45 of them.
While Johnston learned a lot from his mentor and friend Joe Pavelski, there are themes in his game and shot that also cut close to Sakic.
Both of these Canadian-born snipers have had some of the most dangerous wrist shots of their time. Sakic was better known for his shot during his NHL career. Johnston’s is a tad underrated, but Stars fans don’t mind as Wyatt piles on into the other team’s net.
Clutch Goal Scoring
Speaking of shots and goals, both Johnston and Sakic have made a history of scoring goals in crucial moments of the game. Both guys scored, or scored many goals. However, it’s the goals that put a game away that deliver the reputation.
Currently, Johnston has six game-winning goals in his fourth playoff and fourth NHL season. Two of those goals happened past 60 minutes. The most recent sudden death goal was last month. On Wednesday, April 22nd (or on the 23rd since the game went into double overtime).
Sakic, in his 20 seasons, scored 19 playoff-winning goals, with eight of them going into ot. Safe to say that 22-year-old Johnston is on pace to rival those numbers as he’s still early in his NHL career.
Always Composed
Ever notice that Johnston doesn’t take a lot of penalties, nor ever really looks like he’s losing his cool? There’s a look of composure on Johnston’s face almost all the time.
It seems like he’s always in the zone and never bothered by anything, much like Sakic was when he played.
Both Johnston and Sakic played like they were always locked in, playing with a poker face constantly on the ice.
With a straight look on their faces while remaining quiet, their actions speak volumes that words simply don’t match, especially when their shots are already in the back of the net.
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Categorized:Stars Unique Column