Wild's Granlund Talks Olympics, Finding His Rhythm
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Minnesota Wild have a vested interested in the Olympic games.
Obviously, Zach Parise and Ryan Suter are representing the United States, but there is a work in progress playing for Finland.
Mikael Granlund has seen a spike in his play over the last month, and perhaps the Olympics will help take him to another level.
He's been one of those players fans have waited for. They heard he had skill, now he's starting to find his rhythm, his confidence.
"I play pretty good hockey lately," Granlund says. "I just need to keep going and just work hard."
Maybe the secret sauce has been who Granlund's been playing with. Parise's line makes a difference.
"He's very good," said Parise, speaking of Granlund. "I never played with him before...so I didn't appreciate a lot of the little nice things he does on the ice, the good passes he makes."
In the Olympics, the two will meet as competitors.
"I think it's going to be a great tournament," Granlund said. "Such an honor to be there."
Outside of the Olympics, Granlund may take another step in the NHL, as a player growing into a consistent threat every night.