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NEWARK, N.J. — The offensively gifted Nikolay Goldobin is killing penalties.

This will not kill the National Hockey League aspirations for the intriguing Russian right winger. It will only enhance them.

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And because chasing pucks has become a recent addition to Goldobin’s professional pedigree — whether in a defensive or offensive posture for the Utica Comets — his road to becoming a mainstay with the Vancouver Canucks has shortened.

The offence speaks for itself.

Seven goals and 12 assists in 17 games with the Comets and leading the American Hockey League club in scoring is going to get the 22-year-old Moscow native noticed. Being just as good without the puck as he can be with it, is going to get him to get back to The Show for a longer stay.

Photo by Gerry Kahrmann / PNG files

“I never played PK early in my life and it’s hard,” Goldobin admitted following a Monday practice after being recalled Sunday. “I decided to do this and hounding players has helped me a lot, helps me battle for the puck.”