William Wallinder rare bright spot in Griffins' playoff loss

“I would say it’s kind of similar,” Wallinder said, comparing this experience to playoffs series in his native Sweden in which he was a participant. “Maybe it’s more physical here. You gotta be more aware and ready to stick up for each other.

“Otherwise, it’s kind of similar to what it is back home.”

Watson isn’t at all surprised to hear Wallinder speaking so matter of factly about playoff hockey.

“For him, he’s gone through playoffs in Europe, so he knows sort of what to expect.” Watson said.

Still A Learning Curve For Griffins Wallinder

That doesn’t mean there’s nothing left for Wallinder to learn about the North American brand of playoffs.

“That intensity’s gotta ramp up,” Watson said. “The compete level in the corners, killing plays as a D man and just keeping it simple.

“Those are gonna be his next steps.”

As a rookie in the AHL, Wallinder’s been all about taking those steps and making adjustments this season. He admits it hasn’t been a linear path to success, but he thinks he’s moving toward where he needs to be.

“It took some time but I’m getting into it and feel comfortable now I would say,” Wallinder said. “It’s a good league, a lot of good players, a lot of skilled players.”

Slowly, but steadily and most assuredly, Wallinder is developing into one of them.