Montreal Canadiens: Jesse Ylönen finding offence with the Pelicans

The Montreal Canadiens have a couple of their prospects debuting in men’s leagues overseas, and Jesse Ylönen is already making an impact.

Although all the attention is revolving around the Montreal Canadiens and their training camp sessions, the future has already started to dive into their regular season. In particular, 2018 second-round pick Jesse Ylönen who recently made his professional debut in Liiga with the Pelicans.

Ylönen started his year with a game against Vaasan Sport. The 18-year-old was on the fourth line along with Antti Tyrvänen and Taav Vicar putting up three (3) shots on goal in a little over 14 minutes of ice time.  But it was only a matter of time before Ylönen started to score. And that moment came in the Pelicans’ home opener against Lukko.

He was on the third line again but had different linemates in Ganahl Manuel and 22-year-old centre Hannes Björninen. The Pelicans were buzzing early, and Ylönen opened the gates to what would eventually be a 6-1 victory.

With possession in the offensive zone, Björninen found Oliwer Kasi who sent the puck towards the net with Ylönen in front. He initially deflected the puck which the goaltender saved, but the rebound came out and went off the defenceman’s skate and into the back of the net. A player’s first goal is usually not that pretty, but a goal is a goal, and it’s a milestone for the 35th overall pick.

His second tally of the game came on the power play. With 53 seconds left on the clock, Aleksi Mustonen found Mikko Kousa from down low for a one-timer shot in the slot. Unfortunately, the shot was blocked, but Kousa took control of the rebound and dished it over to Ylönen who was wide open on the right side.

Here’s the beauty of this goal. Lukko goaltender was ready. It could’ve easily been a one-time shot into the empty net as he was at the other side, but Ylönen received the puck on his backhand and needed to get it to his forehand. Either way, a quick release went right over the glove to make it 5-1 for the Pelicans.

Two goals and eight shots? Not bad for a home opener.

It’ll be interesting to see how the rest of the season plays out for Ylönen. What we’ve seen from the young Finn so far is a comfort in heading to the net to score, and a very quick and accurate shot.

If Ylönen keeps this up, points may be a lot easier to come for him as he continues to run through his rookie year in the pros.

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