AHL Game Night: 11/19/10 Admirals at Penguins

[BP Staff]

Norfolk makes a big time statement.

NOR-4
WBS-1

Cedrick Desjardins allowed 1 goal on 28 shots for the win.

First Period
WBS Wallace, (7) (Sterling, Hutchinson), 5:39 (PP)
NOR Durno, (5) (Fornataro), 11:43

Second Period
NOR Jones, (6) (Vernace, Berry), 0:46
NOR Jones, (7) (Quick, Milam), 12:27

Third Period
NOR Berry, (3) (Jones, Gudas), 19:19 (EN)

Blair Jones, Desjardins, and Chris Durno were the game's three stars.

Blair Jones' stat line for the season is becoming borderline ridiculous. The fourth year pro now has 7-9-16 in 12 games with a +7 rating. It's been a very different Blair Jones this season. Last year, after being sent down, his production went in the toilet, just as it did in past seasons. But Jones seems to be working even harder after being sent down this time.

Kevin Quick now has 7 assists in his first 14 games this season and a +7 rating. His AHL career high in points was 9 points in 49 games in 2008-2009. I'm legitimately interested in seeing if Quick continues to improve and starts to knock on the door for an NHL cup of coffee in the second half of this season, because I really believe he's a perfect fit, stylistically, for what Guy Boucher is trying to do in Tampa Bay. Radko Gudas is another guy who, after my trip to Norfolk, I think could really fit what Boucher is doing a year or two down the road. He got his fourth assist tonight in this, his rookie campaign and he's a really nice +8. The guy was a big plus player in junior too, you'll recall, with a +45 in Everett last year.

There's just so many players down in Norfolk legitimately knocking on the door for the NHL, and another wave of guys like Quick and Gudas potentially coming in behind them. It's taken over four seasons, between that last year in Springfield when the 2005 draftees like Jones came in and the three subsequent years in Norfolk, to get to this point, but the future is finally here, and it's exciting times.

Box score from TheAHL.com.



http://www.boltprospects.com/content...irals-penguins

[ChaseSpace]

Goalies trying to step it up in hopes of a call-up? I hope so.

[pete]

One game doesn't make a trend, unfortunately.

You've got three guys at the forward position in Pouliot, Jones, and Szczechura who legitimately may be NHL-ready right now, and so much depth that you're keeping a pretty legitimate prospect in Fadden down in the Coast. I'm excited for what this team is capable of, because they punched Wilkes-Barre in the nose tonight. They did what I was hoping the Lightning could do a week ago to the Caps.

[Randy]

They did make a statement last night. But I agree they must continue this trend. Tonight they play the Phantoms who have a pretty poor record. It's important they not bask in what they did to the Baby Pens and have a letdown against a team they should handle easily.

The name of the game is depth and the ADs for the first time since our affiliation with the Bolts have it. Callups have not been as crippling as years past for that reason.

I agree with the comments on Gudas and Quick. Gudas' physicality came as advertised. But his ability to carry the puck and passing ability have been a most pleasant surprise. The Bolts may have gotten themselves a real steal in the 3rd round here.

Of the returning dmen, Quick may be the most improved. He came into camp in shape and ready to play. He's not the biggest but he will throw himself around when needed. His plus minus is no fluke.

And you have Fadden and Hutchings doing well in Florida and with Panik, Ashton and Connelly in the pipeline there is hope for the system now. Connelly and Ashton may make the Bolts out of camp next season. Or Stevie Y may want them to cut their teeth in the pro game in Norfolk. I think Ashton would be well served to start in Norfolk.

But the ADs last night went into the home barn of the best team in the AHL, 3dmen down and pinned a legitimate, no fluke victory on them. They passed a big test in my mind. Now they just have to continue this.

[Avery86]

Originally Posted by Randy

I think Ashton would be well served to start in Norfolk.

Unless Malone is moved, I think we could easily see Ashton in Norfolk for two seasons before he's on the big club. Then again, it seems that Ashton performs better against pros than he does in juniors.

[pete]

We'll see what happens. Ashton's played well for Regina lately. He may get traded to a playoff contender in the WHL, so he may not get time in Norfolk at the end of this season. Either way, the determination won't be made until training camp next Fall. Same thing with Panik. The Lightning have a lot of options and the players will let the Lightning where they need to be slotted by their play in camp.

[timothy]

Originally Posted by Avery86

Unless Malone is moved, I think we could easily see Ashton in Norfolk for two seasons before he's on the big club. Then again, it seems that Ashton performs better against pros than he does in juniors.

Malone has an NMC

[Avery86]

Originally Posted by timothy

Malone has an NMC

Right. Which is why I think Ashton will stay in Norfolk for a season or two.