D1 notes: Islanders prospect Wahlstrom on fire since World Juniors

Oliver Wahlstrom has eight points in eight games he’s played since returning from the World Junior Championship. (Getty Images)

Few, if any, players entered this season of Division 1 college hockey touted more highly than Boston College freshman Oliver Wahlstrom, who was the New York Islanders’ No. 11 overall pick last June.

The Quincy, Mass., product recorded only four goals and one assist through his first 14 games as an Eagle, but he’s been much more productive of late for the second-place team in Hockey East. Wahlstrom has eight points, including three goals, in the eight games he’s played since returning from the World Junior Championship with a silver medal last month.

Slow starts can be part of a part of a rookie’s journey, especially at as high a level as the college game, but it’s sure looking like Wahlstrom’s best hockey is here and ahead as his first season reaches a climax. Eagles and Isles fans alike are certainly hoping that’s the case.

“I’ll be honest, I was struggling,” Wahlstrom said. “That’s what every good player goes through, but you just have to bounce back and work even harder. I’m starting to get back into it right now and have to keep plowing away. …