Wednesday, November 6^th

 

 

I am usually a fairly patient person when it comes to prospects but the Nail Yakupov situation in Edmonton doesn’t look like it will turn itself around. I was skeptical about Yakupov’s fit when he was drafted by Edmonton (felt Alex Galchenyuk was a better fit, both immediately and longtem) and it’s proving me right. Yakupov thrived on a mediocre team in Sarnia because he was given the offensive freedom and all-he-could-handle ice time. Similar to Ilya Kovalchuk (insert KHL shivers), Yakupov needs to be the centre of attention and rewarded with loads of powerplay opportunities. That’s not happening in Oil Town. Yakupov reached a season low 12:47 minutes on Tuesday.

 

Insert Yakupov to New York Rangers rumours. It makes sense and if it happens, I think Edmonton would be wise to push for a player like JT Miller (plus a top four defenseman) as he would add some much needed character and versatility to their lineup.

 

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The Canadiens had Alex Galchenyuk back at his natural centre position on Tuesday but he didn’t do so hot in the circle at a dismal 14%.

 

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Stars Valeri Nichushkin skated 18:03 in Dallas’ 3-2 win over the Bruins picking up an assist along the way, his second straight game with a point.

 

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Aleksander Barkov is in the midst of his first career NHL slump as last night marked his fifth straight game without registering a point.

 

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My gut feeling entering this season was that Senators goaltender Robin Lehner might steal the starting job from Craig Anderson…but he was going to need some help by way of an injury to Anderson. With Anderson sidelined with a neck injury, Robin Lehner hasn’t disappointed grabbing a much needed win last night. Lehner will need more help to snatch the starters gig away at this moment but these little streaks of spectacular don’t go unnoticed. He’s their future between the pipes.

 

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Speaking of future starting goaltenders, Petr Mrazek made his first start of the NHL season (his 3rd career start) for the Red Wings and dazzled with his first career shutout. He has been re-assigned to Grand Rapids with Jimmy Howard returning to the lineup.

 

I dont claim to be a goaltender expert but I do feel confident in recognizing “gamers” and feel there are several young goaltenders who have elite starting potential. Mrazek is one of them. John Gibson is another. Add Lehner and Vasilevski to that list as well.

 

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Congratulations to Tom Wilson of the Washington Capitals on registering his first career NHL goal and first career NHL assist. It took the 2012 first round selection 15 regular season games this year plus three playoff games last year

 

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In fourteen games this season, the Philadelphia Flyers have scored more than two goals just once. ONCE! How badly do they need scoring? Luckily for them, one of their top prospects (who they decided to return to the OHL)), is absolutely tearing it up in junior. Scott Laughton, 2012 1^st round selection, is coming off a three point effort Tuesday evening. That 3-point game follows his previous game where he picked up two goals and five points. Eight of Laughton’s 14 games played have been multi-point games and that includes 28 points on the season. Laughton’s game is waaaaaaaaaaaaaay advanced past that of the OHL and it’s a shame that he couldn’t be competing in the AHL.

 

Speaking of five point games….teammate Michael Dal Colle (second in OHL scoring with 33 points) is eligible for the 2014 NHL Draft and he registered five assists in Tuesday’s win.

 

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Scott Laughton scores a filthy goal Sunday (I wish I could find his beauty assist too, it was equally as good):

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Touching on all levels of prospects in these Greyhounds vs Battalion highlights. #Oilers Darnell Nurse fights recently signed #Coyotes prospect Gaudet, #Hurricanes Sergey Tolchinsky picks up several points and #2014NHLDraft eligible skater Jared McCann registers some assists.

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i had a good chuckle at these pieces of artwork that were provided by some of the NHL’s young stars including Nate MacKinnon, Mathew Dumba, Sean Monahan, Tomas Hertl, among others. http://www.sportingnews.com/nhl/story/2013-11-06/panini-america-nhl-rookie-sketch-cards

 

 

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Wednesday night NHL action features Nathan MacKinnon vs Seth Jones when the Avalanche meet the Predators.

 

Thanks for reading folks! Feel free to tweet me any questions or comment below.

 

@RossyYoungblood