Early on in 2017-18, inconsistent playing time led to a lack of points for Palmquist. Despite his struggles in the beginning, things began to turn around for the former Maverick near the end of November.
"His game started to come around and then you could just see the confidence grow in him," said Iowa coach Derek Lalonde.
With help from the coaching staff, the South St. Paul native picked up his game, not only making his way into a regular spot in the lineup, but also into the power play.
"Our power play had been struggling," Lalonde said. "It was really a matter of Zach moving to the top of our power play and just simplifying it."
Lalonde lauded how Palmquist worked with associate coach David Cunniff, the architect of the power play. Lalonde explained how Palmquist did exactly what was asked of him: be simple with the puck, work to get into a position, funnel the puck to teammates Cal O'Reilly and Sam Anas, and not overdo or overthink it.
"That's exactly what he did," Lalonde said. "He brought simplicity to the power play and it just took off from there. So it's a huge credit to him on buying in on what we asked of him and trusting it. It was exciting to see the success of the power play."
Palmquist knows his successes are also his teammates' and was quick to give them just as much credit for the improved extra-man unit.
"As long as our team keeps playing this well, they make it easy for me to jump into the play and have success on the power play," Palmquist said. "When you got guys like Cal O'Reilly, Sam Anas, Justin Kloos, Kyle Rau making plays and working hard on the power play, it's easy for me to distribute the puck to them and get those points."
Since Palmquist joined the power play, the Wild has seen success in that area of the game. In November, before Palmquist joined the extra-man unit, Iowa's power play was ranked 20th out of 30 AHL teams. With the addition of Palmquist to the unit, Iowa's power play has since climbed to a top-10 spot.
With the Wild in the midst of its best season in history, so is Palmquist.
Not only did the 27-year-old defenseman earn his first three-point game in a 4-3 loss against Manitoba on Jan. 6, but in a two-game series against Texas on Feb. 18-19, he tallied a goal and an assist, which set a career high in points for him in a single season.
"Obviously, personally it feels good to reach that milestone," he said. "The team is playing well right now, so I've got to contribute that to them too. We've just got to keep it going, we're playing really well right now and we got to take that into the road games."
Regardless of where the team is, the defenseman is looking to continue what he's doing. Since Dec. 1, Palmquist has he registered 11 points (two goals, nine assists) in 18 games.
"I'm just expecting the same things of myself," Palmquist said. "Keep working hard, keep helping the team I can in any way, keep playing hard defensively and just got to contribute in any way I can."
According to Lalonde, Palmquist's style of play fits right into the philosophy of the Wild and the game of hockey today.
"He plays fast, he's quick in transition and he can transition in any area of the ice," Lalonde said. "I think that's why he's been successful."
"Whenever you're scoring goals," Palmquist said, "it feels good obviously, but as long as our team keeps winning and scoring goals, if it's me or someone else, it's great either way."
Related:
- Svedberg aims for eventual NHL return
- Mayhew adjusting to new role in Iowa
- Ferraro destined for pro hockey from young age
