Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Del Zotto Impressing, Grachev Not at Traverse

Leslie Treff at Hockey's Future continues her coverage of the Traverse City Tournament with this reaction to Rangers prospects in their Game 2 victory over the Atlanta Thrashers...

"The best player on the ice for the Rangers in this game was Michael Del Zotto. Although his name does not appear on the scoresheet and, in fact, he was minus one, he had an excellent game. His confidence with and without the puck, leading the team by creating chances, was apparent all afternoon. Also impressive was recent draftee Roman Horak, who opened eyes in the first game, and continued to give a solid effort and show his offensive wizardry in today's contest. Horak, who has recently begun his North American major junior career with the WHL Chilliwack Bruins, looks to be solid offensive contributor there and in New York in the future. With speed and creativity, Horak is somewhat of a surprise in Traverse City.

Evgeny Grachev was plus four in today's contest, but still has not been as visible as was expected in this tournament. There were moments today where he looked like he would break out and be the star of the game, but he was more of a behind the scenes contributor than the scoresheet indicates."

...so the player with no points and a -1 was the best player on the ice, while the player with a goal and a +4 was not as visible as expected? Huh?

...while all reports are that Del Zotto has been inpressing at Traverse, I would like to see him put some more points on the board.

Jess Rubenstein at The Prospect Park has more on Day 2 at the Traverse here.

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