Jake Neighbours: A Rising Star in Net-Front Presence

Jake Neighbours: A Rising Star in Net-Front Presence

Jake Neighbours has emerged as a rising star for the St. Louis Blues with his impressive net-front presence. The 21-year-old forward was assigned to the net-front position on the struggling power play early in the season, and it has become a crucial adjustment for the team. Neighbours’ willingness to stand in the most dangerous area of the ice has made a significant impact on the team’s success.

Neighbours scored his team-high eighth power-play goal of the season in the Blues’ recent 4-2 win over Anaheim. He was instrumental in front of the net on all three of the unit’s goals on the man advantage. The power play has improved significantly, scoring five goals in the last four games and ranking No. 25 in the NHL at 18.1 percent. This is a remarkable improvement considering the team’s poor performance earlier in the season.

While Neighbours’ impact is evident on the power play, his contribution to the offense extends beyond that. Of his 22 goals this season, 17 have come from either standing in the paint or in high-danger areas. Neighbours’ strong work ethic and willingness to go to the net have been key factors in his success.

Blues defenseman Justin Faulk commends Neighbours for his dedication and old-school mentality, highlighting the thankless nature of his job. Standing in front of the net exposes Neighbours to pucks flying towards him, but he has been rewarded with goals and assists for his efforts. Faulk hopes that other players will take note of Neighbours’ commitment and follow suit.

In their recent game against Anaheim, the Blues struggled on the power play in the first period, going 0-for-3 with only five shots on goal. However, a personnel change in the third period, with Brayden Schenn and Faulk joining the unit, led to a dramatic improvement. Neighbours continued to play a crucial role in front of the net, providing a screen for Robert Thomas’ power-play goal that gave the Blues a 2-1 advantage.

Neighbours admits that playing in the net-front position is a bit different from his previous experience in junior hockey. He constantly looks over his shoulder to gauge the goalie’s positioning and aims to obstruct their view. He acknowledges that there is room for improvement in his positioning, but his willingness to learn and adapt is evident.

Less than five minutes after Thomas’ goal, Neighbours added another power-play goal to his tally by deflecting Schenn’s shot. He attributes this goal to luck but appreciates Schenn’s smart shooting, which exploited the goalie’s limited visibility.

Neighbours’ exceptional performance didn’t end there. The Blues scored three power-play goals within nine minutes in the third period, with Neighbours once again stationed in front of the net. Thomas praised Neighbours’ hard work and credited him for being a significant factor in all three goals.

Neighbours’ impact on the team has drawn comparisons to former Blues players known for their net-front presence, such as Keith Tkachuk and David Backes. However, Neighbours humbly acknowledges that these players are on another level and considers himself fortunate to be mentioned alongside them.

Despite the comparisons, Neighbours has found his niche in the net-front position and has no plans to change his approach anytime soon. He is focused on doing whatever it takes to contribute to the team’s success on the power play.

Jake Neighbours has emerged as a rising star for the St. Louis Blues with his impressive net-front presence. His willingness to stand in the most dangerous area of the ice has played a crucial role in the team’s improved power play. With his work ethic and dedication, Neighbours has become an invaluable asset to the Blues’ offense. As he continues to develop and refine his skills, he is poised to make a lasting impact on the team’s success.