AHL: Babchuk making strides

The Bridgeport Sound Tigers and Norfolk Admirals got together for a Veteran’s Day matinee in Bridgeport last week. The Sound Tigers, coming off a lengthy but successful road trip, faced a Norfolk team that Bridgeport head coach Greg Cronin characterized as "a desperate, determined club."

The result: A methodical, if not sluggish, tight-checking affair. One that would make one wonder if the players got the memo on the 4 pm start.

Regardless, the Sound Tigers shook off a second period goal by Admirals’ captain Ajay Baines, tying the game on a third period, crash-the-net tally by Derek Bekar, and finishing off the affair in overtime with a 4 on 3 power-play marker by defenseman Brandon Smith.

Following are game notes on some of the notable youngsters in the contest.

Bridgeport Sound Tigers – (New York Islanders)

Mattias Weinhandl, RW

For Weinhandl, this current stint in Bridgeport is more of a conditioning assignment than anything … coming off a late-season ankle injury last year, Weinhandl was forced to get surgery during the summer … This was his third game in his return to action and the rust was evident … frequently, Weinhandl’s passes were behind or ahead of players … remains a slick skater, even with injury … not moving feet enough, letting opposition come to him too much, all a product of lengthy time away from ice … one NHL scout characterized his game as being "far better suited for the NHL, needs skilled teammates to take advantage of his passes."

Martin Kariya, LW

The younger brother of Colorado’s Paul Kariya was signed out of the University of Maine by the Sound Tigers this summer … Martin did play three playoff games for Portland (AHL) last season after his collegiate season ended … listed very generously at 5-9, he plays very much out of the same mold as Paul … Very quick first step, continues with impressive straight line speed … turns well, keeps feet moving, which leads to drawing penalties … can be hesitant to unleash his shot … plays the point on the power play and shows good poise and vision in that role.

Norfolk Admirals – (Chicago Blackhawks)

Anton Babchuk, D

The massive, 6-5, Ukrainian defenseman, Chicago’s first round selection in 2002, is in his first season in North America … at quick glance, it appears the transition is going well … a solid skater, had no problem staying with the faster Sound Tiger skaters while backing into his zone … at times, he showed some indecision with the puck, while at other times made crisp, assertive first passes out of the zone … throughout the contest, he displayed poise in his zone, and got better as the contest wore on … didn’t shy away from contact, however, he also didn’t get many opportunities to be physical as the smallish Sound Tigers generally played on the perimeter tonight ... overall, an impressive outing for the highly-touted defenseman.

Mikhail Yakubov, C

Tabbed in the first round of the 2000 draft, Yakubov is in his second season in the AHL … known as a finesse player, Yakubov showed a physical dimension to his game on Tuesday … displayed considerable patience and poise with the puck, more notably while in traffic in his own defensive zone … Showed impressive vision with his passes … finished his checks with vigor … a good defensive effort, but not enough assertiveness driving to the net … needs to create more offensively.