Troy Grosenick – McKeen's Hockey

AHL Western Conference 2019-20 Season Preview

Tom Dorsa — Thu, 17 Oct 2019 19:20:02 +0000

The new hockey season is finally upon us, and with it, comes the return of the American Hockey League, which serves as the primary development league of all 31 National Hockey League franchises.

As the AHL’s 31 teams prepare to clash over the long winter stretch, hoping to lift the Calder Cup in June, their NHL parent clubs are bulking up their farm team’s rosters with some of their best and brightest prospects.

With the NHL season up and running, the rosters for the AHL teams in each organization are coming to fruition. The solid mix of veterans with familiar faces alongside some exciting, exuberant youthful prospects of many teams are giving fans in the AHL’s member cities hope for the present and the future, while giving NHL fans faces to look for as potential replacements for the parent clubs, if and when the need arises.

Let’s take a team-by-team look at the competitors in the AHL’s Western Conference, beginning with last season’s conference champions.

(Team rundown is listed by 2018-19 point totals, and are not a projection of 2019-20 conference standings.)

Chicago Wolves (Vegas Golden Knights)

The Wolves, who paced the Western Conference with a 44-22-6-4 record in the regular season, lost their two leading scorers from last season over the summer. Daniel Carr, whose 71 points in 52 games led the AHL in points per game (1.37) last season, departed for the Nashville Predators system, while T.J. Tynan (led the league with 59 assists) joined the Colorado Avalanche organization.

Head coach Rocky Thompson might have trouble finding the same scoring, but will not have any issue on the blue line, with a defensive corps headlined by some top prospects like Nic Hague (4th in McKeen’s Vegas farm system rankings), Zach Whitecloud (6th), and Jake Bischoff (8th) all manning the defensive zone. Hague and Bischoff are presently up with Vegas, but both should spend significant time on the farm this year.

Chicago should maintain a spot near the summit of the Central Division standings, bolstered by all-world defense and solid goaltending.

Prospects to watch (quotes from the 2019-20 McKeen’s Hockey Yearbook):

Nicolas Hague

“[T]he 2017 second-rounder has can’t-miss shutdown potential in a two-way package. His lanky, 6-6” frame makes him nearly unbeatable at the blueline, as his length and mobility give him a package that can compete with any AHL forward for space in the defensive zone.”

Lucas Elvenes

“[A] smooth skater with soft hands. He has skill, and his inconsistent scoring is a product of him being more of a perimeter player, as he likes to create from the outside and that play isn’t always there and his creativity isn’t enough in those instances.”

Dylan Coghlan

“[A]n impactful offensive-defenseman by virtue of his skating, his atomic bomb of a slapshot, and his vision and playmaking, which allow him to quarterback a power play unit. His ceiling is as a middle-pair puck-rusher, but we will have to see how he does with an increase in tougher minutes on a depleted AHL Chicago this season.”

Bakersfield Condors (Edmonton Oilers)

The Condors made American Hockey League history last season with a stretch of 17 consecutive wins between January 12 and March 1. The win streak is tied for the second-longest in the 83-year history of the AHL, and allowed the Condors to soar (pun intended) to the Pacific Division regular season title.

Though they fell to the San Diego Gulls in the second round of the Calder Cup Playoffs, Bakersfield enjoyed its most successful season since the Oilers moved its primary development affiliate from Oklahoma City to Kern County, California, scoring more goals (242) and allowing fewer (182) than ever before.

With a solid group of top prospects from a deep Edmonton farm system, the Condors can be expected to contend alongside their California rivals for another Pacific Division crown.

Prospects to Watch (quotes from 2019-20 McKeen’s Hockey Yearbook):

Tyler Benson

“A speedy and creative forward, the former second-rounder’s natural playmaking ability — driven by top-notch vision, decision-making, and very crisp and accurate passes — can carry play from both the left wing and from the center position.”

Kailer Yamamoto

“A highly creative, smooth-skating winger, the former first-rounder creates plays out of thin air and is intense on the puck at all times. The quick-handed forward possesses strong hockey sense and the ability to drive play and carry a line from his position with his speed and vision.”

Cameron Hebig

“The undersized center plays a solid 200-foot game, exhibits mature offensive anticipation, has lightning-fast hands, and possesses a pro-level wrist shot, albeit a criminally underused one.”

Milwaukee Admirals (Nashville Predators)

After failing to make the playoffs in 2017-18, the Admirals returned to the postseason scene, losing to the Iowa Wild 3-2 in a five-game set. Riding a 14-game point streak through a hard Spring schedule, the Admirals made an improbable climb from seventh to second in the Central Division to end the season.

Milwaukee, celebrating their 50th season in the North American pro scene, look to rebound with an influx of solid Nashville prospects. Though AHL staples Adam Helewka and Dustin Siemens departed in the offseason, the introduction of prospects Rem Pitlick and Jeremy Davies (a New Jersey prospect traded in the P.K. Subban deal) will boost the offense.

Goaltender Troy Grosenick, one of the AHL’s best, will be back in the Admirals crease with a deeper team in front of him and head coach Karl Taylor.

Prospects to Watch (quotes from 2019-20 McKeen’s Hockey Yearbook):

Eeli Tolvanen

“His shot is mesmerizing, with speed, a wicked and deceptive release, and insane accuracy, while his skating has improved to compliment has lethal shooting. His excellent touch for the puck gives him an underrated playmaking game as well, as his hands can create space for himself and teammates while his elite stick skills enable him to dish passes over with ease.”

Rem Pitlick

“As solid as his shot is, Pitlick is also a clever playmaker, with good vision as he flies down the wing towards the net. While he will take risks to create offense, he is responsible in his own end, and has been a trusted penalty college for the University of Minnesota.”

Frederic Allard

“A former point-per-game blueliner in the QMJHL, his speed, shot, and offensive vision all grade out as average or better. He sees the ice and anticipates plays at a very mature level, and he has legitimate top-four potential if he can work on his defensive game, with his puck-moving and skating playing big roles in his projected big-league value.”

Iowa Wild (Minnesota Wild)

For the first time since the team formerly known as the Houston Aeros moved to Iowa, fans in Des Moines were treated to postseason hockey from an Iowa Wild team that won more games (37) and scored more goals (242) than in any past season.

The offense was paced by usual suspects like team captain Cal O’Reilly, but goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen carried the defensive efforts of the club with poise and consistency. First-year head coach Tim Army’s group knocked off Milwaukee in the first-round of the Western Conference playoffs.

Although the AHL club made few big-name acquisitions in the offseason, their returning players should keep them afloat in their search for a postseason spot in the Spring of 2020.

Prospects to Watch (quotes from 2019-20 McKeen’s Hockey Yearbook):

Nico Sturm

“He has great size and skates very well, with intriguing puck skills to boot. He is close to ready and has a third line ceiling.”

Kaapo Kahkonen

“His calm, composed mentality in the crease bodes well for his highly-athletic, technically-refined butterfly style, and his maturity as a young netminder was on display for all of last season in Des Moines. From a talent standpoint, he projects to be a midtier NHL starter in the near future.”

Louie Belpedio

“A right-handed, puck-moving defenseman is an untouchable prospective asset to any organization, but throw in some offensive upside and a veteran level of composure, and you have a surefire future NHLer. His smarts are top notch, and his speedy skating and vision make his mission of exiting the zone as fast as possible an easy one most times.”

Grand Rapids Griffins (Detroit Red Wings)

The Griffins are a team that benefits mightily from the Red Wings’ aggressive style of prospect development. A year after the debut of Filip Zadina -- the sixth overall pick in the 2018 NHL Draft -- Grand Rapids will say hello to Joe Veleno and Moritz Sieder, two more first-round picks.

Add in Michael Rasmussen and Evgeny Svechnikov, you can argue that the Griffins have the most young, raw talent in the game, and head coach Ben Simon is prepared to put it all to use. Only three years removed from a Calder Cup championship (2016-17), the Griffins look primed for another run at the AHL equivalent of the Stanley Cup.

The Griffins fell victim to Chicago, the eventual conference champions, in the first round of last season’s playoffs.

Prospects to Watch (quotes from 2019-20 McKeen’s Hockey Yearbook):

Filip Zadina

“His intense skating speed, technical footwork skill, and elite shooting prowess [are] capable of changing the game on every shift. Furthermore, even if the numbers don’t pop, the fact that he did it all as a teenager is incredibly impressive.”

Moritz Sieder

“Big, mobile right-shot defenseman who oozes confidence and has great hockey sense. He has the quickness to join the rush and he does so in a timely manner. The German blueliner is very gifted offensively, possessing high-level passing skills and a strong shot selection.”

Evgeny Svechnikov

“He is a beast with the puck, able to get inside position on anyone and his control and balance are incredible for his size. He doesn’t shy from playing hard defensively. We will have to see if his injuries continue to hold him back when he returns this season, but if his health holds -- and his consistency improves -- he can be a middle-six scoring wing in the NHL.”

San Jose Barracuda (San Jose Sharks)

In their four years at SAP Center (after formerly playing in Worcester, MA), the Barracuda have never missed the playoffs. A beacon of consistency in the minor leagues in spite of an NHL club that is a perennial contender, there is no reason San Jose shouldn’t be hosting postseason games next Spring.

With the additions of Noah Gregor, Sasha Chmelevski, and Ivan Chekhovich -- along with a formidable returning core of players -- the Sharks boast a reinvigorated prospect pool ready to make things happen at the AHL level.

The Barracuda led the Pacific Division for much of the season before the Condors went on an incredible 17-game winning streak; San Jose finished second, four points behind Bakersfield. San Jose fell three games to one to San Diego in the first round of the playoffs.

Prospects to Watch (quotes from 2019-20 McKeen’s Hockey Yearbook):

Joachim Blichfeld

“[I]s a natural scorer with very good offensive instincts, has a great shot, and plays a pretty good all round game. He should be able to translate his game to a higher level of play. He will start as a bottom six forward, and could move up to a top six role if he settles in and produces even a portion of his WHL production.”

Sasha Chmelevski

“He is the type of forward who can excel in any situation and this versatility will make him an NHL player sooner rather than later. His best asset might be his shot release, which is lightning quick. But he is more than just a goal scorer, as he processes the game very well and is especially dangerous in transition with his ability to make quick decisions with the puck.”

Antti Suomela

“He still has the potential to be a top-six forward; a lethal skater and often deadly setup man, Suomela can contribute in many ways, even without the puck, as his anticipation for where the play is flowing is unreal. He still has the potential to be a top-six forward; a lethal skater and often deadly setup man, Suomela can contribute in many ways, even without the puck, as his anticipation for where the play is flowing is unreal.”

Manitoba Moose (Winnipeg Jets)

In their four years in Winnipeg, the Moose have played in the playoffs just once, missing the postseason last year with a very young and inexperienced team. With some of their younger players expected to make a leap this season, the Moose should be much improved.

Getting Sami Niku back to the AHL club is a major boost. Last season, Niku made the Jets roster but was a healthy scratch for the majority of the NHL campaign, and instead the mobile, smart defender will get some valuable reps instead of wasting away in the press box.

Youthful goalie Mikhail Berdin is anticipated as the club’s number-one goalie, and seems capable of the job after success in a somewhat-limited role last year. Head coach Pascal Vincent, the winner of the 2018 Louis A.R. Pieri Memorial Award as the AHL’s most outstanding coach, is back behind the bench of the Jets’ affiliate.

Prospects to Watch (quotes from 2019-20 McKeen’s Hockey Yearbook):

Logan Stanley

“The physical beast is one of the tallest prospects (or player of any level) in hockey, and his high-end defensive game leans heavily on his near-incomparable length. With his long and impassable gaps, active stick, and ability to take any opposing forward off the puck, his defensive game is one that seems NHL ready at just 20 years old.”

Michael Spacek

“As one of the finest defensive players in the Winnipeg system, Spacek has a clear NHL future due solely to his hard work and intensity in all three zones, but he can be better than a defensive specialist. The Czech native’s high-end two-way game has translated well from the WHL to pro hockey, as his shot, passing skill, and of course, his maturity and responsibility as a defender has impressed in the Winnipeg system.”

Mikhail Berdin

“Extremely athletic and hard-nosed, Berdin plays a fundamentally refined game that minimizes high-danger chances. He also possesses the last-resort agility to shut down anything that he can’t immediately get to.”

Texas Stars (Dallas Stars)

A year removed from winning the Western Conference and coming just a game away from taking home the franchise’s second Calder Cup, the Stars missed the postseason last year amid injuries and recalls toward the end of the season.

In addition, Texas has bid farewell to their two longest tenured players this offseason. Travis Morin, the 2014 AHL Most Valuable Player, retired from pro hockey while Justin Dowling, the team’s captain last season, made the Dallas roster out of training camp and seems primed to stick in the NHL.

With that transition brings youth and excitement into head coach Derek Laxdal’s lineup, as 11 first-year pros will compete in their rookie season with the Stars, including goaltender Jake Oettinger and forward Riley Tufte, both former first-round picks.

Prospects to Watch (quotes from 2019-20 McKeen’s Hockey Yearbook):

Jason Robertson

“At his best, Robertson is a monster in possession who prolongs offensive zone time because of how well he protects the puck. He also possesses terrific instincts, a great release, and a high skill level with the puck that makes him a very complete offensive player.”

Jake Oettinger

“Not only is Oettinger one of the top prospects in the Dallas system, the 20-year-old is firmly among the elite goaltending prospects in the sport. He is a 6-5” behemoth in the crease, but with the mental composure of a veteran and the agility of an NHL starter, boasting one of the most impressive packages of netminding skill in the game today.”

Joel L’Esperance

“The 6-2” center plays a high-energy game in all three zones, forechecks hard, and has some solid technical skating skill for a big man. He has a splendid wrist shot and a hockey IQ that is as high as his experience from the college ranks would suggest.”

San Diego Gulls (Anaheim Ducks)

After a somewhat surprising run to the Western Conference Finals that ended with a loss to Chicago, head coach Dallas Eakins was given a promotion to the Anaheim Ducks and now serves as the bench boss of the Gull’s NHL parent club.

What that means is, like with Texas, a lot of transition and a lot of unknown. Kevin Dineen was hired as the head coach in the offseason and now oversees a team with a lot of turnover from the year prior. Prospects like Hunter Drew and Andrew Morand will lead the club from the side of youth, while AHL scoring phenom Andrew Poturalski joins the fray after a Calder Cup championship with Charlotte.

The 2019-20 Ducks sure look like the 2018-19 Gulls, and San Diego will have to rediscover an identity to be in contention for a postseason spot as the winter turns to spring again.

Prospects to Watch (quotes from 2019-20 McKeen’s Hockey Yearbook):

Joshua Mahura

“A crisp, accurate, and heads-up passer, the 2016 third-rounder is a beast in transitional play, and is never afraid to start -- or join -- an offensive rush. Solid vision of up-ice development is aided by his tight gaps, which can force turnovers at the blue line and spark a chance the other way.”

Antoine Morand

“Knows where to be on the ice. He is a creator who distributes very well and can run an offense. He is a solid skater with great agility and strong edgework, but his size is a question mark going forward. Morand will have to bulk up to have extended success at the NHL level.”

Andrew Poturalski

“A decisive, speedy playmaker with quick hands and high-end vision, the 25-year-old possesses a ceiling of a depth scoring forward with potential to have a ton of success on the power play.”

Rockford IceHogs (Chicago Blackhawks)

The IceHogs failed to qualify for the postseason in a transformative 2018-19 campaign that saw their NHL parent club make many internal moves that trickled down to Rockford. Most notably, Jeremy Colliton getting a midseason promotion from AHL bench boss to NHL headman, leaving Derek King and crew without much time to implement their voices on the room.

Now, King will get a full season as head coach and an influx of well-regarded prospects at his disposal. Adam Boqvist and Nicolas Beaudin, two 2018 first-round picks, will man the blue line, while returning goaltenders Collin Delia and IIHF World Championships winner Kevin Lankinen can hold down the fort in the crease.

Prospects to Watch (quotes from 2019-20 McKeen’s Hockey Yearbook):

Aleksi Saarela

“Saarela is a hard-working, dynamic player who wins battles and moves so efficiently that his energy stays high throughout the entirety of each game. He is a great shooter and his accuracy is impressive which makes him a tough opponent to stop. He is an all-around fun and creative player to watch and with his hockey sense and skill, he has the potential to be a top six forward and lead a team despite his size.”

Adam Boqvist

“An elite offensive defender, Boqvist has the requisite tools to be a high scorer in the NHL. His skating stride is not only smooth, it is powerful, and it allows him to take risks by jumping up into the rush quite frequently. He also possesses fantastic scoring instincts for a defender, sliding down into the slot or using his agility to open up shooting lanes for himself at the blueline.”

Dylan Sikura

“From the standpoint of raw skating, he was one of the best in the AHL and in this very deep farm system. His playmaking has long been his calling card, and he loves to make space for teammates with his speed only to pass it off. He is a smaller center, but does not shy away from doing the dirty work on both ends of the rink.”

Colorado Eagles (Colorado Avalanche)

After winning two straight Kelly Cups in their final two years of action in the ECHL, the Eagles wasted no time bringing Calder Cup playoff action to Loveland, Colorado in their first season of AHL play. Finishing fourth in the Pacific Division before losing to Bakersfield in round one, it was a terrific start for an AHL expansion team.

Eagles head coach Greg Cronin has arguably a deeper team in the dressing room this season, and the Eagles can be expected to not only reach the postseason again, but perhaps go even deeper. Losing top scorer Andrew Agozzino and starting goaltender Pavel Francouz is a pain, but the addition of veterans T.J. Tynan and Erik Condra, as well as prospect Calle Rosen and the health of Conor Timmins bring balance to the club.

Like the Avalanche above them, they’re a team that preaches chaos and excitement over anything else. They’re incredibly fun.

Prospects to Watch (quotes from 2019-20 McKeen’s Hockey Yearbook):

Martin Kaut

“Although his offensive game was stagnant, his defensive game -- where his value is most apparent -- needed no adjustment from Europe to the North American style. His incredible rink sense make him a pest on the puck, and his willingness to play deep in the defensive zone is an unteachable, immeasurable talent.”

Shane Bowers

“Bowers is the type of player that specializes in performing the little things, doing the grunt work while his linemates hog the glory. He can accelerate the cycle game, bringing the puck in from the perimeter and putting a scoring chance in motion. He plays with energy and can be used in all situations.”

Logan O’Connor

“He is a wonderful skater with the acceleration of a top-line scorer, and possesses the smarts and discipline to consistently make a major impact in all three zones. His versatility is his strongest weapon, as he can play all three forward spots -- up and down the lineup -- with surprising effectiveness.”

Tucson Roadrunners (Arizona Coyotes)

Injuries bit the Roadrunners hard near the end of the 2018-19 season, and the team narrowly missed the playoffs directly because of it. In particular, the losses of defenseman Kyle Capobianco and forwards Michael Bunting and Nick Merkley all hit head coach Jay Varady hard, but the team is full of depth and excitement if their health cooperates.

This team won the Pacific Division title in 2018, with several of those players still suiting up in Tucson brick red and black. In their fourth year in Arizona, they should be expected to contend for the Pacific crown once again, so long as heavily-revered goaltending prospect Adin Hill can play up to his level.

Prospects to Watch (quotes from 2019-20 McKeen’s Hockey Yearbook):

Nick Merkley

“Agile and athletic, he has the edgework and plus acceleration to make up for his small, albeit stocky, stature. His creativity with the puck is fueled by his elite hands, and his shot is an ever-evolving weapon. It is difficult to tell what kind of player Merkley is going to be, but if he can finally stay healthy, the 22-year-old has the skill and potential to be a future top-six winger.”

Adin Hill

“At 6-6”, Hill’s size is the first thing that jumps out about the 2015 third-rounder, but his incredible technical refinement and immeasurable mental composure are major bright spots in the development of the Coyotes’ goaltender of the future. With both AHL Tucson and the NHL club, Hill displayed his excellent total package as a near-term big-leaguer.”

Tyler Steenbergen

“His 200-foot game, defensive responsibility, and effectiveness as a bottom-six, penalty-killing guy who can play all three forward spots reliably gives him something many players of his ilk have not: a surefire NHL ceiling.”

San Antonio Rampage (St. Louis Blues)

While no St. Louis Blues fan will trade their first and only Stanley Cup last season for a better prospect pool, the Blues are certainly lacking in terms of a competitive AHL team. Their 2018-19 season started about as poorly as their parent club’s, and the Rampage never got above a .500 winning percentage at any point of the season.

But a new year always brings promise and hope. Prospect winger Klim Kostin, a 2017 first-round pick, had a solid preseason with St. Louis and brings to his third season in the AHL a quest to be more disciplined and consistent, while goaltender Ville Husso looks for redemption after a disastrous season in 2018-19.

Prospects to Watch (quotes from 2019-20 McKeen’s Hockey Yearbook):

Ville Husso

“Husso had a horrendous season that further damaged his falling prospect stock. After a strong 2017-18 campaign, the Finn went 6-18-0 with a 3.67 GAA and .871 Sv% in 2018-19, eventually losing the clear-cut starting job to a slew of random cast-offs that featured Binnington and Jared Coreau. Husso still has the raw skill to make a name for himself, including his athleticism, size (and more importantly, the way he uses it), and his ability to read plays as they develop and position himself accordingly.”

Klim Kostin

“Though he went through another underwhelming AHL season, the 6-3”, 212lbs 20-year-old impressed scouts with his body control, momentum on his skates, and his physical, power-forward game. A fast shot and nifty puck-protection skills make Kostin a fun player to watch when he gets to enter the zone with momentum, though his lack of speed and assertiveness can hold him back.”

Mitch Reinke

“His speed allows him to frequently exit the defensive zone, while his vision and hockey sense give him the instincts to put the puck in the right place. He can jump into the play and let off his strong, accurate wrist shot, but he is more of a facilitator than anything.”

Stockton Heat (Calgary Flames)

Since moving to Stockton from Glens Fall, New York, the Flames have not won a single playoff series. With their NHL parent club in a “win now” window, it has obviously been difficult for Stockton to establish a consistent winner in the AHL.

And with Calgary bulking up the big-league club for another potential run at the top seed in the Western Conference playoffs, Stockton head coach Cail MacLean has his work cut out for him again. Especially without Jusso Valimaki, who tore his ACL in offseason training and is expected to miss the entire 2019-20 season, several others with the AHL Flames will need to step their games up this year.

Prospects to Watch (quotes from 2019-20 McKeen’s Hockey Yearbook):

Dillon Dube

“Shifty and quick on his feet, the former captain of Team Canada at the World Junior Championship exhibited plus value as a playmaking passer while also playing as a forceful, self-assured shooting option. His undersized frame is not a hindrance to his highend rough-and-tumble, forechecking game, as his play in the cycle is where he really shines as a passer and in-tight puck-handler.”

Matthew Phillips

“Grading out as an above-average skater and shooter, the Calgary native can impact games with his slippery skating, tricky shot release, and plus vision to create lanes for his linemates. At just 5-7” and 155 pounds, his physical game obviously lags, but he can be effective enough at separating himself from opposing defenders against the boards.”

Tyler Parsons

“A master scrambler, Parsons lacks technical refinement but more than makes up for it with competitiveness, play-tracking, and the reflexes to complement his all-out style of goaltending. The 2017 WJC gold medalist needs nothing more than a clean bill of health to continue his ascent up the ranks of NHL goaltending prospects, as the 2016 second-rounder projects to be a mid-tier NHL starter, but with more room to grow.”

Ontario Reign (Los Angeles Kings)

The Reign suffered through a dreadful 2018-19 season, one that became increasingly hard as the campaign continued, with the Kings recalling many Ontario’s best players.

Matt Luff, Carl Grundstrom, and Austin Wagner joined L.A.’s forward group, Sean Walker and Matt Roy saw time on the blue line, and Cal Petersen played in the crease at some points in the year. Using a core of inexperienced defensemen, ineffective forwards, and whoever else the Reign could snag from ECHL Manchester was not a recipe for success.

New additions Jaret Anderson-Dolan (2017 second-rounder) and Rasmus Kupari (2018 first-rounder) hope to turn the tide, to say nothing of the possible return to help of 2017 first rounder Gabriel Vilardi, bringing excitement to San Bernardino county. The Reign could be a sneaky playoff team, or just die out early like last season, but unpredictability can be entertaining, at least.

Prospects to Watch (quotes from 2019-20 McKeen’s Hockey Yearbook):

Rasmus Kupari

“His greatest asset is, without doubt, his skating. Highly agile on his skates, he can make tight turns and cuts and he possesses strong edge control. He stops and starts well and has excellent top-end speed. He can maneuver with the puck in tight spaces and has a lot of puck skill as well.”

Gabriel Vilardi

“He possesses a great size and skill package down the middle and is a terrific playmaker who thinks the game at a high level and really can dominate possession down low. He is just so strong and difficult to separate from the puck. Vilardi played only four games for Ontario last year because of a lingering back injury that appears to be threatening his promising career.”

Jaret Anderson-Dolan

“Anderson-Dolan had a tough season last year battling injuries, but managed to finish the season strong. He finished the season by putting up 20 goals and 43 points in 32 games for the [Spokane] Chiefs, and 15 in 13 games in the playoffs, demonstrating that his multi-tool impact was still there.”

AHL Report: Central Division – All Star Break Edition

Tom Dorsa — Mon, 04 Feb 2019 13:22:13 +0000

The mid-season break in the American Hockey League, with the annual All-Star Classic serving as an equator for the league's 31 teams, allows the farm clubs of the top affiliated league in the world to self-evaluate.

What are we doing right? What are we doing wrong? How can we improve? What is the right strategic approach to the second half of the season?

A good portion of the questions team ask in these self-evaluations is regarding the organization's brightest prospects. And often times, following the mid-season break, the youngsters playing in the AHL will see an increase, or a decrease, in playing time, special teams deployment, and the skill of linemates.

The eight teams in the AHL's Central Division will be asking those questions at the end of the January month of play, with a few guys on the radar for those fluctuations in ice time distribution, man-advantage and penalty kill play, and overall lineup construction.

In addition, during the National Hockey League's annual All-Star Game break, a good amount of two-way players on the NHL roster are sent down for conditioning. On account of this, we can see how the top prospects playing in the AHL mesh with solidified NHLers, and how it effects their usage within a team's lineup.

Some prospects have made those questions easy to answer in January, but some have done the opposite. Without further ado, let's take a look at the prospects in the AHL's Central Division, with a well-deserved focus on league all-stars competing in Springfield, Massachusetts at the AHL All-Star Classic.

Grand Rapids Griffins (Detroit Red Wings)

The top team in the Central Division is being headlined by two of the Detroit Red Wings' premier prospects, Filip Zadina (first in the McKeen's preseason Detroit system rankings), and Michael Rasmussen (3rd). And regardless of both players being 19 years old, they are playing top-six minutes with hard matchups for Grand Rapids.

Early in his first pro year, Zadina (11-11-22) was having trouble adjusting to the speed and skill of the AHL, but has started to use his legs to impact the game more. He grades high as a pure skater, and has become a better player on stretch passes and designed breakouts with his speed. His shot is still developing in terms of the deception and stick-language needed to beat AHL goalies, but his wrister is a reliable weapon.

Michael Rasmussen

Rasmussen is only down with the Griffins on a conditioning assignment, but quickly made his mark on the AHL. In scoring two goals in his AHL debut, Rasmussen (2-0-2) showed what he has for the Red Wings organization to build around. He's big and obviously has no trouble getting to the greasy areas in the offensive zone, but has displayed a willingness to help defensively with his surprising mobility and create havoc on the power play as a net-front guy and a shooting triggerman. He could stand to improve his balance on his skates and take a hit without stumbling, however.

Defenseman Filip Hronek (8th) has shown his maturity and versatility on the blueline in a season spent with both Detroit and Grand Rapids, putting up points and exhibiting competitiveness within his own zone. Hronek (5-14-19) is a speedy puck-rusher by trade, but has recently played against tougher competition and has held his own, being tough to strip of the puck in the corners and closing shooting lanes with ease.

Iowa Wild (Minnesota Wild)

It only makes sense to start the Iowa Wild section of this piece with Kaapo Kahkonen. An AHL All-Star, the 22-year-old rookie (7th in Wild prospect rankings) has been the class of the Wild roster and one of the elite netminders in the league this season. Kahkonen (12-8-2, 2.51, .914) has steadily improved his play-reading ability over the course of the campaign, and has increased his readiness for playing the puck behind the goal. His rebound control needs some refinement, but his composure and athleticism have been there all along.

Whether you can consider him a legitimate prospect or not remains a question, but Kyle Rau (17th) looks like someone who can contribute to an NHL team with the right scheme in place. Though he's an undersized 26-year-old with no further improvements to make in the AHL, he leads Iowa in goals (14-15-29) and is a better skater than some players in the bottom six of the Minnesota lineup. Nine of Rau's 14 goals have come on the man-advantage, which carries some added value.

Chicago Wolves (Vegas Golden Knights)

SAN JOSE, CA - SEPTEMBER 22: Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Erik Brannstrom (12) (Photo by Matt Cohen/Icon Sportswire)

All-Star defenseman Erik Brannstrom (3rd) is well on his way to a lengthy NHL career in Vegas after jumping over from the SHL this season and immediately becoming an anchor for the offensively-oriented Wolves lineup. While often facing the opposition's top line, Brannstrom (6-18-24) has been tough to thwart in transition and has had no trouble competing against the better forwards in the AHL, forcing shots to the outside and maintaining serviceable gaps in zone defense.

With his mobility and offensive skill (shooting, accurate passing, and puck-handling), Brannstrom had only his defensive game to improve upon this season, and has impressed since opening night.

The reclamation project of Tomas Hyka (6th), a former sixth-round pick of the Los Angeles Kings in 2012, has been extremely successful for the Wolves. At over a point-per-game, the versatile Czech forward -- whom Vegas signed as a free-agent in 2017 -- has displayed his lightning fast hands and exceptional technical skating skills with Chicago and Vegas this season. Though very inconsistent, Hyka can be lethal at times.

Milwaukee Admirals (Nashville Predators)

Nashville's farm system was ranked 30th out of 31 organizations when our yearbook came out in September. It's a product of a stacked NHL team to have a lesser farm system, but the Milwaukee Admirals are more veteran-heavy than they are prospect-heavy.

Their two AHL All-Stars were goaltender Troy Grosenick (29 years old) and defenseman Matt Donovan (28 years old), and neither has ever played a game for the Predators. None of their AHL guys project to be game-changers aside from Eeli Tolvanen (1st), so let's start with the ever-so intriguing Finnish forward.

TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 22: Nashville Predators right wing Eeli Tolvanen. (Photo by Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire)

Tolvanen hasn't accumulated the same impressive totals as the team's statisical leaders (having played in Nashville, in the World Juniors, etc), but has been perhaps their most impressive player this season. Tolvanen (7-8-15 in 29 games) has been a goal-scoring weapon at even strength and the headman of a decent power play, exhibiting his shooting talents and his vision as a distributor. His play hasn't quite matched the hype he generated in the KHL, but he is only 19 and has a lot left to improve upon, mostly with consistency and physicality.

In a prior article, we touched on how Emil Pettersson (13th) was playing his way back onto the Predators' radar as a legitimate prospect and not just Elias' brother. The elder Pettersson brother is on pace for a career year in points (11-21-32), a stat he leads the Admirals roster in. He has long been a smart player and one with defensive responsibility, but has increased his involvement in the offensive game as a top-line center and special teams anchor. His speed and technical skating still lags, but his shot accuracy, shot readiness, and willingness to let it rip have improved.

Texas Stars (Dallas Stars)

The Texas Stars had two representatives in the AHL All-Star Game, young forwards Denis Gurianov (8th) and Joel L'Esperance (unranked in preseason rankings). Both were more than deserving, from a team standpoint and a league-wide standpoint.

As of this writing, L'Esperance is tied for the lead league in goals (24) in his first full professional season. After signing an amateur tryout in March of 2018 and barely making the team to begin with, the bulky centerman has been an incredible find for the Dallas Stars. Though the Michigan Tech alumni's game revolves around his size and competitiveness, he is a fine technical skater for a 6'2" and muscular player, and has some flashes of offensive creativity.

His goal-scoring prowess will not fully translate to the NHL, but the rookie has scored a lot of his 24 tallies (24-15-39) right in front of the net and has 10 on the power play, two attributes that generally flow from the AHL to the NHL well.

Gurianov has continued his renaissance by playing the same way he has been all season, fast and assertive at all times. The former first-round pick has blazing speed but had never utilized it the right way before this season, but Gurianov has become probably the most dangerous player in the Texas lineup this season (that is, if he comes back from Dallas after his recent promotion).

Not only is his quickness changing games, but Gurianov (13-21-34) is much more aware of his surroundings and the on-ice happenings than last season. His hockey IQ and positioning has taken a massive leap from last season to this season. With the NHL faster and smarter than ever before, his presence in the Stars' lineup will be vital going down the road.

San Antonio Rampage (St. Louis Blues)

ST. LOUIS, MO. - DECEMBER 09: St. Louis Blues center Jordan Kyrou (33) during a NHL game between the Vancouver Canucks and the St. Louis Blues on December 09, 2018, at Enterprise Center, St. Louis, MO. (Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire)

San Antonio's lone All-Star Game particpant was the obvious choice, Blues' 2016 second-rounder Jordan Kyrou (3rd). Though he has not been able to stick on a transitioning Blues roster to this point, he is tearing the AHL up with his pure speed, tremendous balance, and effortless acceleration.

He racks up assists with his supreme vision and ability to thread passes through the toughest of lanes, while letting it rip a little more often with an improved wrist shot and hesitation moves. Kyrou (12-17-29) has carried his linemates with his offensive skill since the outset of the season.

Overall, it's a very poor year for Blues prospects, and the Rampage altogether, as Klim Kostin (2nd), Jake Walman (5th), and Ville Husso (7th) have all been quite disappointing to this point. None of three are playing to their potential and have not taken advantage of the opportunities presented to them.

Manitoba Moose (Winnipeg Jets)

Logan Stanley of the Windsor Spitfires was selected by the Winnipeg Jets in the first round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft in Buffalo, NY on Friday June 24, 2016. Photo by Aaron Bell/CHL Images

At the beginning of the season, the Moose lineup was stacked with Winnipeg's top prospects, with the likes of Kristian Vesalainen (1st), Jack Roslovic (2nd), Mason Appleton (3rd), and Sami Niku (4th) all playing their part. Now, all four of them are playing elsewhere, with Vesalainen having been assigned to the KHL and the other three in Winnipeg serving the Jets' loaded lineup in one way or another.

And the Moose have taken a hit in that regard, with less top-tier talent. Their only All-Star was 26-year-old Logan Shaw, a journeyman forward who has skated with four NHL organizations so far. But it doesn't mean they don't have any impressive prospects playing in Manitoba.

Defenseman Logan Stanley (6th) caught my eye in a recent viewing. For a guy who stands at 6'7" with a 227-pound frame, the 2016 first-rounder moves exceptionally well on his feet, with good acceleration, NHL-caliber top speed, and serviceable technical skills like pivots and cuts. He has the hard shot and the physicality aspect you would expect from a guy his size, and loves to force shots to outside and pummel players behind his net.

At least, Stanley will be a future bottom-pairing physical defenseman with heavy penalty kill minutes (think Brenden Dillon or Ron Hainsey).

Rockford IceHogs (Chicago Blackhawks)

Veteran defenseman and alternate captain Andrew Campbell served as the team captain for the Western Conference in the AHL's All-Star skills competition, getting his due as a journeyman deserving of the spotlight. But in terms of actual prospects, the Rockford IceHogs are pretty top-heavy.

In a lineup without much production, Dylan Sikura (3rd) and Anthony Louis (unranked) have been bright spots as the team's two leading scorers. Louis (10-17-27) is an under-the-radar guy who has a load of offensive skill and speed in a small, 5'8" package and has impressed over his second full season in the AHL.

A 2013 sixth-rounder generally isn't someone teams will plan around, but Louis has recently started facing the opposition's top defensive pairs, because teams are afraid of the Miami-Ohio alum burning them all night. Sikura, on the flip side, is a known commodity, and one who has an improving shot that complements a complete and well-rounded game.

Sikura, also a former sixth-round selection, has the scintillating hands and powerful strides to be a force on offense as well as near elite hockey IQ and defensive responsibility.

NCAA Tourney Goalie Preview

McKeen's Hockey — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 15:45:16 +0000

The 2013 NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Tournament begins today, and that means 16 goaltenders will begin to battle their way to Pittsburgh, where the Frozen Four will be held on the weekend of April 11.

To prep you for what will certainly be another explosive and exciting tournament, I've dropped some notes on every starting goalie from all 16 teams. I'll be evaluating a bunch of the games on-the-fly thanks to ESPNU, so feel free to follow me on Twitter @TheGoalieGuild and check back here over the course of the next few weeks for more NCAA goaltending insight and analysis.

Before I get started, I wanted to mention a few NCAA goalies that have signed pro contracts, something I've written about earlier in the season right here.

Aside from Andrew Hammond (Bowling Green) signing with the Senators, Northeastern's Chris Rawlings has signed an ATO with the Idaho Steelheads. Although it's not an entry-level contract with an NHL team, the Dallas Stars will certainly have their eyes on Rawlings' performance(s).

The Stars took a similar route last summer with Michigan Tech's Josh Robinson. He signed a two-way AHL/ECHL deal last season, and while he's not Dallas' official property, they are certainly grooming him for the future. Robinson worked with Stars goalie coach Mike Valley over the summer at his Elite Goalies mentorship camp, and Rawlings has worked with Valley before as well.

Beyond Hammond and Rawlings, it appears as if Jared Coreau (Northern Michigan) is spending some time in Detroit, which may mean he is discussing a possible contract with the Red Wings. If something official drops during the NCAA tournament, I'll post it here.

But with that on the back-burner for now, here's a look at each goalie in the tournament, sorted by region.

WEST REGIONAL

YALE - Jeff Malcolm: Entering the tournament with a 16-6-2 record, a 2.42 GAA, and a .914 SV%, the senior from Lethbridge, Alabama played a major role in Yale earning an "at large" bid. He put together two separate five-game winning streaks during the second half of the season, including one shutout in each streak.

Malcolm missed most of February due to injury, but his return sparked a five-game winning streak, and Yale has been playing much better with him back in goal.

He has given up eight goals on 62 shots in his last two games (both losses by way of shutout), so for a team that isn't as offensively gifted or as deep as in years past, he'll have to surprise everyone to get past the powerhouse known as the Golden Gophers. Furthermore, I have never seen Malcolm play before, so he's a virtual unknown for me heading into the tournament.

But as I have learned over the years, sometimes the guys that fly far under the radar end up having the biggest impact. If you're a fan of the underdog, you're a fan of Malcolm and the Yale Bulldogs.

MINNESOTA - Adam Wilcox: Because of my location here in the Twin Cities, I've had the pleasure of closely evaluating Wilcox's game this season. Not only is he statistically one of the top freshman goalies in the NCAA, but he's one of the most exciting raw-skilled prospects I've scouted in the past five years. He enters today's game against Yale with a 25-7-5 record, a 1.85 GAA, a .922 SV%, and three shutouts.

Despite playing behind one of the most talented lineups in the NCAA, Wilcox didn't coast at any point this season. Sure, there were nights where he was able to rely on Minnesota's NCAA-leading 3.51 goals-per-game to get him through some inconsistent efforts, but for the most part, he came up with the timely saves to preserve leads, sustain momentum, or kill off penalties.

No matter which way you slice it (Minnesota was 3rd in team defense with a 1.91 goals-per-game average), his reliability instilled the confidence needed to play him in 38 games, which landed him third in overall minutes played (2270:51). For a freshman, especially in a talented conference like the WCHA, that is almost unheard of.

Drafted by the Lightning 178th overall in 2011, Wilcox brings electric foot speed and a visible energy to the crease. He's aggressive, dynamic, and very flexible. His glove hand is one of the best in the NCAA, he's highly athletic, and he's one of the better puck-movers you'll find at his age. He's sheer eye-candy in the crease, fun to watch, and capable of stealing a game if his teammates fail to show up.

It certainly helps that I've seen close to 80-percent of his games this season, but if you're watching him for the first time, you'll quickly realize why he was drafted by the Lightning. The kid has skills, and he thrives under pressure.

NORTH DAKOTA - Zane Gothberg: I had originally profiled Clarke Saunders here, so apologies for a late update on Gothberg.

UND enters the tournament scoring 3.30 goals-per-game, but the combination of Saunders and freshman Zane Gothberg only posted a 2.45 GAA collectively, which was only 17th-best in the NCAA. So in terms of facing different types of pressure, knowing that Zane will have to stare down a Hobey Baker Finalist (Carsen Chubak) in today's game against Niagara is not going to be easy.

Zane played more as the season went along, entering the tournament with an 8-4-3 record, a 2.55 GAA, and a .918 SV%. He earned three straight wins in impressive fashion over Wisconsin and Nebraska-Omaha back in early-February, and has become more comfortable in his rising role with UND.

I had a chance to evaluate Zane last summer while he trained with goalie coach Dave Rogalski. During that session, I really liked how Gothberg moved. He has a lot of structure to his low game, and he reminded me a little bit of Nikolai Khabibulin in terms of utilizing his broad and large upper body, but still having quick feet and good levels of overall athleticism.

NIAGARA - Carsen Chubak: Like Hartzell in Quinnipiac, Chubak was one of the NCAA's best goaltenders this season. A Hobey Baker Finalist in his own right, the AHA Player of the Year enters the tournament with a 23-6-5 record, a 1.91 GAA and a .939 SV%. Combine that with six shutouts, and you have one of the most impressive goalies in all four regionals.

Chubak does benefit from the defensive support of blueliners Kevin Ryan and Dan Weiss, and his team does average 3.11 goals-per-game, but there's no denying the Prince Albert native's value to the Purple Eagles. But even more impressive than the NCAA-best six shutouts or the solid team in front is the fact that Chubak didn't have a single losing streak this season.

That "bounce-back" ability will be put to the test against North Dakota today; Niagara dropped a disappointing game to rival Canisius in the Atlantic Hockey semifinals, one where Chubak stopped just 24 of 29 shots.

It was the only time this season he allowed more than four goals.

NORTHEAST REGIONAL

UMASS-LOWELL - Connor Hellebuyck: It's rare to see an NAHL goaltender get inserted directly into the lineup of an NCAA D1 program, but both Anthony Stolarz (now in the OHL) and Hellebuyck completed that feat this season. A draft pick of the Winnipeg Jets, Hellebuyck was named the Tournament MVP after leading the River Hawks to a Hockey East title.

Hellebuyck enters the tournament with an 18-2-0 record, plus an NCAA-leading .949 SV%. He was second in GAA (1.38) only to Ryan McKay. At 6-foot-4 and 200 pounds, Connor brings an intimidating frame to the crease, and his confidence level reinforces that intimidation factor.

Like Wilcox in Minnesota, Connor settled into the starter's role after just a few games and never looked back. Connor lost his NCAA debut to DU by allowing five goals on 28 shots, and after more than a month between starts, went on a rampage and pitched shutouts in two of his next three starts.

If there's one area of Connor's game that has vastly improved since his final games with the Odessa Jackalopes, it would be his skating. Less than a year ago, he relied too much on his size to take away time and space from a shooter, but rebound control and staying upright to make secondary saves was an area of concern. It was mentioned on ESPNU that he had been working with former Lightning goaltender Dwayne Roloson on a lot of technical aspects, which has also played a role in his improved play.

But over the course of this season, scouts have pointed to his improved footwork as a big reason why he's now looking at a chance to lead the River Hawks to an NCAA title.

WISCONSIN - Joel Rumpel: Although the Badgers struggled early in the season, the team is firing on all cylinders after earning huge wins over Minnesota State, St. Cloud, and Colorado College to clinch the WCHA Championship. Rumpel, who earned a spot in the All-WCHA Tournament team, enters the tournament with a 1.84 GAA and .923 SV% this season.

Rumpel has just one loss in his last 11 games, but is not considered to be one of the most talented goalies in the tournament. Nevertheless, he's known for having a relaxed, even-keeled demeanor in the crease and positionally sound game. He instills a lot of confidence in his teammates for a sophomore, and he utilizes his 6-foot-3 frame very well. He plays a simple and technically sound game, and even when he's forced to scramble, he stays calm and displays good body control.

In my opinion, Rumpel is one of the more under-appreciated goalies in the tournament. But after coming up huge in the grueling WCHA Final Five tournament, he's in prime pouncing mode to potentially steal a game from #1 seed UMASS-Lowell.

DENVER - Juho Olkinuora: When I was living in Denver from 2004 to 2012, I had the fortunate opportunity to track, evaluate, and even work alongside some of DU's legendary goaltenders. From Adam Berkhoel to Peter Mannino and Marc Cheverie, the Pioneers could almost always rely on solid goaltending in the post-season.

The recurring theme with all of their past netminders was the high goalie IQ to go along with solid fundamentals and a strong work ethic. That theme holds true with Helsinki native and former "walk-on" goalie Olkinuora.

Juho didn't begin the season as the expected starter, but he certainly finished it as one. He stole the job from Florida Panthers prospect Sam Brittain in November and entered the tournament with a 13-5-5 record, a 2.28 GAA, and a .929 SV%. Of the handful of games I watched him play this season, I was most impressed with his 33-save shutout performance over Minnesota on March 1, which may go down as one of his best outings in a Pioneers uniform.

What I like about Olkinuora is that he's not your typical Finnish prospect. Because he developed in the USHL, he is much more of a positionally-oriented goalie, as opposed to the more outlandish, acrobatic, and ultra-athletic Finnish prospects at his age. By focusing more on staying centered in the crease and relying on square shoulders and quiet footwork to stop the puck, he conserves energy and controls his rebounds better than most sophomore goalies.

Olkinuora's latest game ended on a low note in the first-round WCHA series the CC Tigers, but the Pioneers were able to earn an at-large bid to join the field of 16.

NEW HAMPSHIRE - Casey DeSmith: The Wildcats entered the tournament in the Top-10 in terms of goals-against average (2.32), and DeSmith was a major factor in their defensive success. He not only set a school scoreless record (203:32) with three straight shutouts and four in five games, but he was named a Hockey East Honorable Mention All-Star, and was the Hockey East Goaltender of the Month in both October and November.

In November, DeSmith went 5-1-1 with a 1.65 GAA and a .951 SV% en route to the three straight shutouts. He won the Hockey East Defensive Player of the Week twice in November and stopped 30-plus shots on four occasions, including a pair of 40-plus save performances to boot.

A goalie that faced some serious adversity due to a lack of playing time in high school, Casey was tossed into the NCAA fire last season when a struggling Matt DiGirolamo lost the starting job. This year, he went 18-9-7 with a 2.24 GAA and .924 SV% and carried the starting role for the entire season.

What makes tonight's game against DU so exciting for DeSmith is the opportunity for revenge. In his only game against DU this season, he was pulled just 9:05 into the first period after allowing three goals on eight shots.

EAST REGIONAL

QUINNIPIAC - Eric Hartzell: The Bobcats won the ECAC this season behind stellar, steadying play from their senior goaltender. A Hobey Baker Award finalist, Hartzell has a great buffer zone in front of him on the blueline, a d-core that includes the ECAC's top defenseman, Zach Davies. Hartzell helped lead the Bobcats to an 18-0-3 streak this season, which included three shutouts and eight other games where he allowed just one goal against.

Hartzell enters today's regional matchup against Canisius with a 27-6-5 record, a 1.52 GAA, and a .934 SV%. Hartzell (White Bear Lake, MN) is known for his great net coverage due to his 6-foot-4 frame and solid athleticism. He reads plays well and brings a poised, confident demeanor to the crease regardless of the situation.

That being said, I'll be watching to see how he handles the additional pressure in uncharted territory for Quinnipiac, especially since he's targeted to sign a pro contract at the end of his NCAA career. Let's just hope that career doesn't end tonight.

CANISIUS - Tony Capobianco: The little engine that could, Canisius enters the tournament on a franchise-best eight-game winning streak, which happens to currently be the longest in the nation. The Golden Griffins are backed by junior goaltender Capobianco, who I had the luxury to see live at Mariucci Arena back on October 28. He allowed a goal on the first shot faced, then went on to stop the next 40 shots in a 1-0 loss. It was one of the best individual performances I scouted all season long.

Capobianco is comfortable playing behind a team that may not score often, but plays to their strengths as a "defense-first" system. They allow a lot of shots, but push players to the perimeter. Tony had four shutouts this season, with shot totals of 23, 35, 35, and 36. He faced 1,312 total shots in 40 games, an average of 32.8 per game. He was first in the NCAA in minutes played (2344:13), which was a few games ahead of his opponent today, Hartzell (2282:59).

When I evaluated Capobianco in his game against the Golden Gophers, his style reminded me a lot of Jaroslav Halak's. He moves in a small triangle and makes the most of his 6-foot-2 frame by playing inside the blue paint. His movements are quiet and he is very positionally sound. He'll out-wait shooters and make tough saves look easy. Everything seemed to hit him in the chest and get swallowed up, but obviously that performance was one of his better games all season long.

If he expects to get past Quinnipiac, today's performance will have to be even better.

UNION - Troy Grosenick: Despite missing some games due to injury this season, the former Cedar Rapids Rough Riders goalie has allowed just five goals in his last five games, stopping 142 of his last 147 shots. That includes a 34-save shutout over Yale en route to the ECAC Championship. Grosenick and his teammates had their fair share of mid-season struggles, as he went just 1-5-3 in a nine-game stretch from late-November to mid-January.

But Grosenick has proved in the past he can get hot at the right time, so he'll need to rely on the late-season momentum if his Dutchmen have any chance of pushing past Boston College.

Grosenick enters the tournament with a 16-9-5 record, a 2.06 GAA, and .925 SV%. That's a far cry from his 1.65 GAA and .936 SV% in 32 games as a sophomore, but there's no denying he has the skill and experience to win a big game under the bright lights of the NCAA tournament.

BOSTON COLLEGE - Parker Milner: The Eagles will have a chance to win their fourth NCAA title in six years, but this tournament presents some different obstacles for Milner.

First of all, as a senior, he'll face a different type of pressure heading into today's game against Union; Milner struggled in last Friday’s 6-3 loss to Boston University in the Hockey East semifinals, allowing five goals on 26 shots. If he isn't sharp when the puck drops, or gives up a few early juicy rebounds, Union knows they'll have a decent chance of getting under his skin.

Prior to that unsettling loss, Parker went 3-0-1 in four straight games against a much weaker opponent in Vermont. Yet he was fairly leaky in March, allowing 21 goals in seven games (4-2-1). He enters the tournament with a 22-10-4 record, a 2.59 GAA, and .912 SV%.

Small in stature, Milner is known for his quickness, athleticism, and high level of compete around the crease. He does an excellent job of challenging shooters and sealing the ice with his leg pads, he thrives when forced to make strong second-effort saves, and as a senior, he is rarely fazed by a tight game, or while playing with a one-goal lead.

But it's never easy to shake off a sloppy performance when you know your college career is on the cusp of ending, so the biggest obstacle Milner may face today is his own mind.

MIDWEST REGIONAL

MIAMI (OHIO) - Ryan McKay: The RedHawks split their playing time this season between McKay and Jay Williams (also a freshman), and it's unclear which goalie will start on Saturday against the Minnesota State Mavericks. As this game preview shows, head coach Enrico Blasi hadn't named a starter, which called for a great week of competitive practices for both goalies.

Ryan has started the last seven games, and his NCAA-leading 1.37 GAA was the result of a 12-6-2 record, and the second-best team defense with a 1.73 goals-per-game allowed.

McKay struggled against Michigan in the CCHA tournament, as he was pulled after allowing four goals on 16 shots in just 31 minutes of play. The 6-2 loss was the first time all season that McKay and the RedHawks allowed more than four goals.

MINNESOTA STATE - Stephon Williams: The WCHA Rookie of the Year suffered a head/neck injury after taking a skate to the back of the mask while giving up a goal during the second period of a tough loss to Wisconsin in the WCHA Final Five. Fortunately for the Mavericks, he was cleared to play and will start against the Red Hawks on Saturday.

Williams went 21-11-2 with a 1.96 GAA, a .925 SV%, and four shutouts this season. Especially for a 1993-born freshman, he put together an impressive seven-game winning streak early in the season, beating Wisconsin, Bemidji State, and Alaska-Anchorage twice each.

Not only did Williams impress the entire WCHA with his play as a freshman, but he also helped turn the Mavericks into one of the best stories in the WCHA. Behind a more sound defense and a much better power play system, they were able to learn an at-large bid after going 16-11-1 in the WCHA and 24-13-3 overall.

NOTRE DAME: Steve Summerhays: Known for his quickness and pure puck-stopping instincts, Steve experienced a fair share of highs and lows this season, but since late-February, has sparked the Fighting Irish to a nine-game unbeaten streak (7-0-2). The Anchorage, Alaska native enters the tournament with a 21-11-2 record, a 1.94 GAA, a .922 SV%, and four shutouts.

Like Wilcox, Summerhays is aggressive and plays the position with a visible intensity. I have in my notes from previous games that he really thrives in low-scoring games, he's very fluid when executing knee shuffles and slides, and his glove hand is very strong. Summerhays is listed at just 6-foot-0 and 188 pounds, but he makes the most of his smaller frame due to quick feet and an ability to challenge shooters with poise and confidence.

If you're a fan of smaller, more athletic goalies like Wilcox in Minnesota or even guys like Jonathan Quick, you'll love Summerhays.

ST. CLOUD - Ryan Faragher: Still a raw-skilled prospect, the sophomore from Fort Frances, Ontario is known for his flexibility, compete level, and strong hand positioning and reflexes. Those elements led him to a 22-13-1 record with a 2.29 GAA and .914 SV% with three shutouts, while finishing ninth in minutes played (2120:05) and 24th in the nation in GAA.

A member of the WCHA All-Academic team, Faragher spent two years in the NAHL with the Bismark Bobcats before committing to St. Cloud State. He posted a 2.17 GAA and .921 SV% in 38 games en route to an NAHL Robertson Cup championship in 2010, then posted a 2.44 GAA and .918 SV% in 52 games in the 2010-11 season. Both years in the NAHL, Faragher was part of the All-Central Division Team.

Compared to the other three starting goalies in this region, Faragher doesn't enter the tournament with a flashy resume or a ton of regular-season success. That makes him the perfect underdog against the Fighting Irish, which gives him an edge in terms of fighting off the pressure that comes in a do-or-die game.

Troy Grosenick – McKeen's Hockey

AHL Western Conference 2019-20 Season Preview

Chicago Wolves (Vegas Golden Knights)

Bakersfield Condors (Edmonton Oilers)

Milwaukee Admirals (Nashville Predators)

Iowa Wild (Minnesota Wild)

Grand Rapids Griffins (Detroit Red Wings)

San Jose Barracuda (San Jose Sharks)

Manitoba Moose (Winnipeg Jets)

Texas Stars (Dallas Stars)

San Diego Gulls (Anaheim Ducks)

Rockford IceHogs (Chicago Blackhawks)

Colorado Eagles (Colorado Avalanche)

Tucson Roadrunners (Arizona Coyotes)

San Antonio Rampage (St. Louis Blues)

Stockton Heat (Calgary Flames)

Ontario Reign (Los Angeles Kings)

AHL Report: Central Division – All Star Break Edition

NCAA Tourney Goalie Preview

WEST REGIONAL

NORTHEAST REGIONAL

EAST REGIONAL

MIDWEST REGIONAL