Rookie watch: Lindblom's confidence growing with Flyers

Oskar Lindblom said being a responsible two-way forward is important, but his assertiveness in the offensive end has given him greater confidence as a rookie with the Philadelphia Flyers.

"I feel I'm a good 200-foot player, good in the defense zone, but I think I'm getting better now in the offensive zone to create chances and be more successful in front of the net," Lindblom said.
Lindblom, 22, is a perfect example of how player perseverance and team patience can produce positive results.
The 6-foot-1, 191-pound left wing was selected in the fifth round (No. 138) of the 2014 NHL Draft and spent three seasons perfecting his game among men for Brynas of the Swedish Hockey League before coming to North America.
He was ranked No. 23 in NHL Central Scouting's final list of International skaters eligible for the 2014 draft and, at the time, projected as a future second-line player with proper development.
Lindblom is the first player chosen in the fifth round or later by the Flyers to play at least 35 NHL games since Zac Rinaldo in 2008 (sixth round, No. 178). He was given high marks by Central Scouting evaluators for work ethic, attitude and battle level along the boards and in the corners.
"The three seasons back home in the men's league helped me; playing with and against stronger players was a big part of my development," Lindblom said. "I think it helped me become more mature and prepared me for the pro ranks."

Lindblom had 87 points (38 goals, 49 assists) in 141 SHL games, and 19 points (six goals, 13 assists) in 30 SHL playoff games. He signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Flyers on May 30, 2017, and had 34 points (16 goals, 18 assists) in 54 games for Lehigh Valley of the American Hockey League last season.
The Flyers called him up late in the season, but he struggled to find his offensive groove and finished with six points (two goals, four assists) in 23 games.
Lindblom is a changed player this season.
"He's a lot better than he was last year," right wing Jakub Voracek said. "He's more confident with the puck on his stick and making more plays. For a guy with his frame, if you have the puck a lot it's a good thing.
"It's important that young guys who have had a little taste of the NHL one season show up the next year and prove their progress. That's what Oskar is doing, and it's great for us."
Lindblom has seven points (two goals, five assists) in his past six games and is tied for third with forwards Brett Howden (New York Rangers) and Jesperi Kotkaniemi (Montreal Canadiens) in scoring by NHL rookies with nine points (four goals, five assists) in 17 games. He ranks fourth on the Flyers in shortest average shots on goal length (24.4 feet), proof of his confidence closer to the net.

Nolan Patrick has centered a line with Lindblom and Voracek this season.
"They are two really skilled guys and can hold the puck for a long time," Lindblom said. "I know when I have to let it go and be open for the next pass. It's really easy to play with them and they're open most of the time, too."
Flyers coach Dave Hakstol likes the chemistry of the line and said Lindblom has been able to elevate his play as a result of exhibiting more confidence in his game.
"He had good chemistry with [Patrick] last year coming down the stretch, but the point production never came for him," Hakstol said. "But that's not surprising for a young player. When he came back to camp this year, it was obvious he was a year more advanced, a year mature, a little bit stronger and a little bit more confident in everything he was doing.
"That has carried over into some good success for him. I believe his confidence has pushed him through to this point where he's been able to loosen up a bit. With that, you usually get a little more production and that's what we're seeing out of him."
The Flyers control 50.38 percent of all shots attempted with Lindblom on the ice, despite the fact he has started 19 more shifts on defensive-zone face-offs than in the offensive zone.
"He's winning those 1-on-1 battles and that's uncommon for a young guy; it's hard to compete with the players who have been around for 10-12 years," Voracek said. "I think it helped him to play in the men's league in Sweden after being drafted. It's real important to protect the puck because he can go to the spaces on the ice and have success."