AHL: Bergenheim Sound Tiger

Sean Bergenheim started the season in Bridgeport since his entry-level contract allowed him to pass freely through NHL waivers. However, it won't be long before we see the Finnish Missile on Long Island if his recent play is any indication. We have notes on the Sound Tigers' duo of Bergenheim and Jeremy Colliton, as well as reviews on a pair of Albany River Rats in Barry Tallackson and Jason Ryznar.

Sean Bergenheim (NYI), C, Bridgeport

Named the first star of the game with good reason .. fast, smooth skater .. played with determination all night long and was easily the best forward on the ice for either team .. factored in all three of Bridgeport's goals .. provided a screen on the first goal by Steven Regier, stole the puck and fed Jeremy Colliton for the second, and then scored the third one himself on a breakaway .. will have to learn how to control his temper however .. his first-rate performance was blemished by a bad four-minute penalty for spearing/attempt to injure which nearly allowed Albany to even the score .. currently tied for fourth in team scoring (11-3-5-8) .. among the final cuts at Isles' camp, however lost out to fellow countryman Petteri Nokelainen for the final spot.

Jeremy Colliton (NYI), C/RW, Bridgeport

Rookie forward is enjoying a solid start with the Sound Tigers .. quickly endearing himself to the coach thanks to his ability to win draws .. won several important faceoffs cleanly in this contest, including one in the Bridgeport zone with just 1.5 seconds remaining while up by one goal .. quickly established himself on the first power play unit .. scored a nice backhand goal to put the Sound Tigers up 2-1 on a pretty feed from linemate Sean Bergenheim .. very imaginative player - created a number of opportunities using his speed and vision .. demonstrated good defensive awareness as well .. named the third star of the game .. has four goals and six points in 11 games so far.

Barry Tallackson (NJ), RW, Albany

Big, condor-like winger played a solid but unspectacular game .. saw significant time on both the power play and penalty-kill units .. often parked his massive frame in front of the opposing net and was difficult to move .. played physical and worked hard throughout the game .. played mostly on a line with Jason Ryznar and Petr Vrana .. made a great pass across the crease on the power play which led to a solid scoring opportunity .. hurt his team however by taking an unnecessary tripping penalty .. possesses great size at 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds as well as surprising speed .. contributing well for a rookie - currently tied for the team lead in scoring (11-2-5-7).

Jason Ryznar (NJ), LW, Albany

Created several scoring chances due to his relentless hard work .. saw significant power play and penalty kill time .. robbed on a backhand shot while shorthanded .. pulled off a slick deflection while cruising the front of the net on the power play .. knows how to use his big 6-foot-3, 205-pound frame to outwork opposing players .. boasts a decent shot, however creates most of his opportunities by crashing the net and simply outhustling the opposition .. tied with Alex Suglobov and Barry Tallackson for the team scoring lead (11-2-5-7).