Over the break for the 4 Nations Face-Off forward Fedor Svechkov kicked back in Miami, Florida.
Now he’s ready to assert himself at the NHL level as an everyday centerman and he has 28 more games to do so.
“It’s like a big test. I have to prove that this is my spot and show my best game,” Svechkov said. “The point is to be the best version of myself.”
In 25 games this season he has nine points and is 38.8% in the faceoff circle.
Through the last 10 contests, he’s primarily been winning his offensive zone draws which he converted on 43.8% of the time.
Svechkov has been consistently watching how other veterans on the team approach their faceoffs and what they do to win them. It’s a split-second move that has numerous implications attached.
As the 21-year-old continues to find the best method of attack he’s been diligent in building up his style down the middle of the ice.
“I’m working with the coaches every practice and morning skate. We’re going to watch the video tomorrow [looking] at most of my faceoffs,” Svechkov said. “See how I win and lose my faceoffs. We’re working on that and I feel that that’s been getting better.”
The biggest difference to him so far in the NHL with faceoffs is simple. It’s about experience.
Svechkov feels most comfortable when he goes toe-to-toe with other skaters his age or close to it. The problem arises when he sees dominant faces in the dot.
“When I see guys like Claude Giroux who has over 2,000 faceoffs. It’s a big difference for now and I’m learning every kind of faceoff and trying to do what I can to get experience and power in my hands,” Svechkov said.
It’s been beneficial to replicate what successful players are doing in the NHL as well. Once he sees something that works he’ll try that approach out.
So far his best game in the dot was Jan. 23 against the San Jose Sharks. Svechkov went 6-for-12 adding a goal and an assist in the 6-5 win.
Svechkov has three other games where he’s won at least five faceoffs. He didn’t reach that total in his last seven contests going into the NHL’s break.
However, performances like that in San Jose are what he’s trying to do over and over that way he can become the player that Nashville sees long-term.
“Everyone has different weaknesses and strengths. You start with yourself and understand how [you can improve]. That’s why me and the coaches are working on that and how I can best do that,” Svechkov said.
Among NHL rookies who have stood in the faceoff circle for at least 110 draws this season Svechkov ranks 16 of 17.
He has room to grow and the work continues this weekend as Nashville takes on Colorado and New Jersey.
Svechkov was skating on a line with Steven Stamkos and Gustav Nyquist during Friday’s practice. That’s likely who he’ll be with as Nashville gets back into game action.
Follow Nick Kieser on Twitter/X: @KieserNick
Photos courtesy of Nashville Predators
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