Slovak ice-hockey player with great NHL season start, named fastest player

Martin Pospíšil has racked up five points in three games.

By: sme.sk

Oct 14 2024
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Slovak ice-hockey player with

Last season, Slovak ice-hockey player Martin Pospíšil started in the AHL with little hope of playing in the NHL. But in less than 12 months, he made a name for himself; has a permanent place in NHL's Calgary Flames, became a driving force of the Slovak national team, as well as the second best Slovak player.

And now, Pospíšil is experiencing a great start into the current NHL season. After three games, he has five points (1+4), which makes him one of the most productive players points-wise, trailing just two behind the current leader Jack Eichel with 7. In the latest match against Edmonton Oilers, dubbed the Battle of Alberta (a province in which both cities are located - Ed. note), Pospíšil had one assist.

He is not shy about being tough as well, something even Oilers' star Connor McDavid experienced during the match when Pospíšil took him in the corner. In the game, the latter recorded five bodychecks.

As part of advanced EDGE statistics, the NHL publishes data on the measured speeds of players, their shots and other interesting facts.

In the current NHL season, Pospíšil has become the fastest player so far, with 38.71 kilometres per hour measured during overtime in the opening game against the Vancouver Canucks, followed by Jake McCabe with 38.10 and Jack Eichel with 37.81 kilometres per hour. It is likely that Pospíšil will lead the list for some time. Last season, only four players were faster than him: Owen Tippett (38.97), Connor McDavid (38.93), Luke Hughes (38.93) and Brayden Point (38.86)

Martin Pospíšil (left) during the game against Edmonton Oilers. (Source: TASR/AP)

In this vein, last season Slovak defenceman Martin Fehérváry of Washington Capitals attained a speed of 38.96 kilometres per hour in January 2023 during a match against Columbus Blue Jackets, becoming the third fastest player. This is a record among NHL defencemen. At the same time, it is a Slovak record too.

In the past, several former Slovak ice-hockey players were known for their speed. For example, Peter Bondra and Marián Gáborík won the Fastest Skater Competition on All-Star weekend, with Bondra twice in 1997 and 1999, while Gáborík once in 2003.