Advertisement

NHL draft prospect Nikolay Goldobin scores on dazzling dangle for Sarnia Sting (VIDEO)

For auld lang syne, Nikolay Goldobin treated Sarnia Sting fans to a most adroit attack on net during the team's home finale.

During the first period, the 18-year-old Russian had the puck on a string while potting a beauty goal against the Kitchener Rangers. Goldobin set up Kitchener Rangers defenceman Logan Schmidt beautifully, going outside-inside on the rookie, and then swooped across the goalmouth and put a backhand past goalie Jordan DeKort.

Goldobin has faced questions about his consistency, but he's produced for a struggling team. With 91 points, good for seventh in OHL scoring, the projected high NHL pick has factored into almost 45 per cent of the Sting's goals. The way he perked up during the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in January and was one of the best on the ice, well, maybe that is a hint of what he can do when the skill level on the ice rises.

Sting fans have sometimes had little to cheer about during a year where the club was put up for sale and finished last in the OHL for the second time in five seasons. At least they get to watch Goldobin and countryman Nikita Korostelev, who had four points on Thursday, do their thing.

Neate Sager is a writer for Yahoo! Canada Sports. Follow him on Twitter @neatebuzzthenet (video: TV Cogeco Ontario).