Stylish Tarasenko blossoming into stardom with Blues

Earlier this month, Vladimir Tarasenko became the youngest St. Louis Blues player in more than two decades to score 30 goals.

The 23-year-old Russian forward's skill is known across the league.

"He has lots of skill," said compatriot Pavel Datsyuk, the Detroit Red Wings star forward. "He's a really nice person, he's a talented guy and a hard worker, too, which is more important."

Tarasenko was the 16th overall pick in 2010 and made it to the NHL during the lockout-shortened 2012-13 season. He had 22 goals last season and was the Blues' most potent offensive threat in their one-and-done playoff appearance against the Blackhawks last spring, getting four goals in six games.

This season, he's a first-time All-Star and the player the opposition fears most.

"It took him a little while to adjust to the North American style," said Buffalo forward and former teammate Chris Stewart. "But look at him now. He's extremely skilled and he's got a heck of a shot. That's why he's putting up the numbers."

At the start of the week Tarasenko was tied with San Jose's Joe Pavelski for fourth in the NHL with 31 goals, trailing only Steven Stamkos (32) and Rick Nash (37) and he's scoring a point per game through 60 games.

His plus-minus of plus-27 was also tied for fourth and he's among the league leaders with five game-winning goals.

Tarasenko has two overtime goals and has been the Blues' best player in the shootout with three goals on eight chances.

The previous Blues player to score 30 goals at age 23 was Hall of Famer Brendan Shanahan in 1991-92. Hall of Famer Brett Hull's career skyrocketed at age 25 when he racked up 72, 86 and 70 goals over a three-season span beginning in 1989-90.

Shanahan finished with 33 goals in 1991-92. Without making any predictions, Tarasenko is shooting for much higher.

"The year is not over yet," he said. "Things are going good right now and I'll try to keep it up every game."

Coach Ken Hitchcock doesn't use Tarasenko to kill penalties, preferring to save those talented legs for offense.

Tarasenko's signature move is a quick fake to the left that creates space to shoot. Hitchcock stresses the two-way aspect, and anticipates that as Tarasenko matures he'll play 20 minutes per game instead of 17.

"When he's checking well and the line is checking well, that's when they get all of their offense," Hitchcock said. "When that line checks, they are really dominant."

Becoming more comfortable with the language and cultural differences aided Tarasenko's take-off. All-Star defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk was Tarasenko's first roommate on the road and can relate to the transition after playing in Finland during the lockout.

"He was very self-conscious about his language and English, but in actuality it was great," Shattenkirk said. "We'd tell him, 'You're fine. You can order in a restaurant perfectly. Don't stress it.'"

Tarasenko said the situation has improved, but added there's plenty of room for growth.

"Sure, I feel more confidence right now. It's way better right now," Tarasenko said. "But it's hard, still."

Russian forward Vladimir Tarasenko has become the main scoring threat for the St. Louis Blues - and the sniper most feared by opposition players. File Photo

(China Daily 02/28/2015 page8)