Detroit Red Wings forward Darren Helm, 22, is quickly becoming one of the most popular players in Hockeytown.
Injuries to key guys during the playoffs like Nicklas Lidstrom, Kris Draper and Pavel Datsyuk have given some of the Wings’ younger players a chance to step up. And boy, have they. Helm and Justin Abdelkader are wowing their opponents with slick moves, blazing speed and a great deal of poise.
But it is Helm who seems to have some magic in his skates night after night. He has three goals and one assist in the playoffs. Mostly it is his puck handling that has everyone talking. The guy can fly on the ice — and he has incredibly fast reflexes. The Winnipeg native, measuring in at 5′ 11″ and 172 lbs, is being recognized as one of the fastest skaters in the NHL.
Watch this amazing clip below of Helm during a penalty kill as he dominates the puck for an incredible length of time. It’s not very often that a player gets a standing ovation for puck handling during a penalty kill — but that’s exactly what Helm received from Red Wings fans at The Joe. Unbelievable!