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Реклама в Интернет * Все Кулички |
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Kucherov getting attention. 10 ноября 2013 года.CRISTODERO, DAMIAN. Tampa Bay Times Syracuse RW Nikita Kucherov entered Saturday with an AHL-best 12 goals and six on the power play. His 22 points were second, and he had nine goals and nine assists in a nine-game points streak in which the Crunch was 7-2-0. "He's off to a great start," Lightning GM Steve Yzerman said. All of which makes you wonder if Tampa Bay might consider calling up Kucherov despite Yzerman's usual blueprint of allowing young players time to develop. Yzerman said "there are some benefits" to Kucherov, 20, the No. 58 overall pick of the 2011 draft, staying with Syracuse. "He's playing in all situations. He may get some time on the penalty kill. He's learning good habits." "But if he continues on this path, he'll be up sooner rather than later." Kucherov, 5 feet 11, 184 pounds, had 26 goals and 53 points in 27 games last season for Rouyn-Noranda of the junior Quebec league. He started slowly in Lightning training camp but was more poised and confident by the end, with a goal and three points in five games. Part of his trouble was acclimating to the speed of the NHL game and the size of opponents. "One step at a time," Yzerman said. "I know I talk about being patient, but if a guy is ready to play in the NHL and I have a roster spot for them, they'll play." CHANGES: Looking for more puck-moving ability and in anticipation of a game against a disciplined opponent, coach Jon Cooper on Saturday went with 11 forwards and seven defensemen in the 3-2 overtime win over the Red Wings. D Andre Sustr, scratched in three previous games, was back in the lineup. RW B.J. Crombeen was out. "I don't think any player would be cool with not playing," Crombeen said. "All of us want to be playing and contributing, but you're always putting the team first. Obviously, I'm going to do my best to get back in the lineup and help the team win." Cooper kept intact the reunited "Kid Line" of C Tyler Johnson, Richard Panik and Ondrej Palat, and kept LW Ryan Malone with C Nate Thompson on a fourth line filled out for the most part by double shifting Marty St. Louis. |
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