If you watch Vladimir Tarasenko on the ice, you’re aware he has some slick moves, a wicked shot and some surprising strength. That strength is the most evident as he powers around defenders and shrugs off attempts to knock him down. Thanks to Ryan Whitney and Mike Rupp, two retired NHL skaters, we now know Tarasenko’s legs are even crazier than you might think.
During their playoff previews over on The Players’ Tribune, both Whitney and Rupp commented on how Tarasenko is built like a fullback and makes most NHL stars look tiny when it comes to lower-body strength.
Mike Rupp:
“Let me tell you about the craziest thing I’ve seen this season. I was waiting outside the locker room at the All-Star Game to meet up with Kris Letang. So I’m just standing around, and I look to my left, and I see this absolute behemoth walking towards me.
I just see these legs. It looks like an NFL fullback is coming at me.
I’m thinking, Who the hell is that?
I look up, and it’s Tarasenko.
I knew they called him Tank, but I’ve never seen a hockey player with that kind of build. His lower body, I can’t even explain it.”
Ryan Whitney:
“That kid, it’s a joke. When I was in camp with St. Louis, I kept doing double takes. Tank makes Sid’s legs look like my legs. It’s crazy.”
Mike Rupp:
“Chris Kreider and Sidney Crosby are the only guys who have blown me away with their lower body strength. But Tank was a new level. He walked in and I was actually looking up and down in disbelief. He was probably like, What the heck is this guy doing?
He’s a beast. He’s not going to shy away from traffic in the playoffs. Everybody knows about his release and his skating, but he’s also built to go right through you. To have a superstar built like that? Holy crap.”
It’s obvious Tarasenko is a strong player, but this puts things in perspective.
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