AHL: Calgary Nashville Prospects

AHL Scouting Notes (posted 10.11.06)

by Max Giese

Andrei Taratukhin (Cgy), F, Omaha

Skilled two-way forward who has handled the transition to North America well showing a nose for creating turnovers and scoring opportunities. Opened the games scoring when he blocked the point shot on the penalty kill, creating a breakaway for himself where he made a nice move to his back hand for the goal. Effective on the forecheck, anticipates the pass and is disrupts the oppositions breakout. Plays the style of game Daryl Sutter likes, he finishes every check despite his modest size, used on the penalty kill, blocked two shots, will take a hit to make the play and didn't appear shy of traffic areas. His offensive ceiling is likely that of a third line centerman, while he is an above average play maker he did have trouble picking spots with his shot, although he was a threat to score because he has a habit of finding the loose puck in front of the net. Smooth skater who lacks explosiveness but is a very smart player. Looks close to making his NHL debut although he won't be as good as Boyd offensively long term.

Dustin Boyd (Cgy), F, Omaha

Created offense on every shift with a one-goal two-assist evening. A quick skater with a deceptive change of gears possesses a strong burst on his stride that allows him to get to the outside even at this level. Does a good job of getting open in the offensive zone and takes little time to attack the net once he gets the puck. Scored a semi-breakaway when he got the puck in the slot and beat the defender to the net before backhanding it five whole. Played with a purpose on every shift, tirelessly working with and away from the puck. Likes to drive the net with the puck on his stick, but was also a deft play maker on the power play gashing the Admirals by breaking the box with cross ice passes right through the slot. Should be approaching an NHL debut shortly.

Kris Chucko (Cgy), F, Omaha

Cycled the puck down low effectively, hard to knock off his feet and likes to finish his checks with authority. Can be a physical presence on the forecheck, will go hard to the net and can be difficult to knock of the puck Skating looks better this year, has made noticeable gains in his foot speed and leg strength however his first step quickness continues to be an issue. Quickly releases his snap shot that carries good velocity, but he lacks the natural sense, and accuracy of a sniper. Coming along nicely and seems better suited for the pro game than the run and gun style he played in Minnesota. Still, he likely won't make his NHL debut this year.

Tim Ramholt (Cgy), D, Omaha

Smooth skating, smart defenseman who never dominates the game but possesses the ability to play in the NHL. Poised with the puck, doesn't panic with the puck in the neutral zone or on the breakout, especially strong at making the first pass, can play the point on the powerplay but didn't show the creativity to do it in the NHL. Focused more in on his own end and didn't jump up trying to create an offensive chance, and hesitated to use his shot. Did position himself one on one well and showed an adequate edge when playing his man. Not a quick skater but a very fluent one who gets the job done in his own end but won't rush the puck up on his own. A savvy two-way defenseman who is steady but could get more out of his ability.

Alexander Radulov (Nsh), F, Milwaukee

Was positively noticeable despite the team being beat 7-1 on opening night when he scored the lone goal late in the game on the power play. While most of Radulov's game has translated nicely to the pro level, he will have to leave some behind as he moves on. Made a few nice crisp passes that set up his linemates for good scoring opportunities but will need to share the puck more often, especially off the rush. Over handled the puck, turned over the puck several times by trying one on one moves that just don't work on pro defenseman. A threat to score from anywhere in the offensive zone, is elusive in tight spaces, can really dangle the puck, and will shoot quickly from anywhere and his shot is often pinpoint accurate.

Inconsistent defensively, he back checked hard, through the odd check but was often the first player to leave the zone. Never appeared to lack confidence or poise, still has the ability to break the game open at this level and you can see he wants to every shift, but must pick his spots better. Competitive player who gets chippy on occasion and really thrives on one on one confrontation's when in possession of the puck. Doesn't appear as explosive at this level but is still quick in tight areas for a player of his size. On the right track although he needs to adjust some of his game for the pro's. He takes to long to get his shot off, you can tell he still thinks at the pace of a major junior player and thinks he has more time than he really does to get his shot off, this lead to him being stripped of the puck twice in the slot.

Cal O'Reilly (Nsh), F, Milwaukee

Has an invisible night, was only noticeable on the power play where he had time to use his pinpoint accuracy on his passes to be a threat from the half wall. Worked hard away from the puck, clogged passing lanes well on the forecheck, and finished a few checks although he tended to loose his man in his own zone. Had trouble getting his shot to the net, and struggled offensively when the opposition pressured him. Will need to upgrade his first step quickness, his top end gear is adequate but he isn't an elusive player at this level.

John Vigilante (Nsh), F, Milwaukee

Came on late in the third period when the game was already out of reach as he began to receive more ice time. Looked his best when he was on the power play. Lacks a top end gear but he is quick in tight areas and protects the puck well. Can get creative when distributing the puck and made the key pass on the Radulov goal. The Admirals hesitated to use him five on five showing concerns with his defensive game as he'll need to improve his positioning in his own zone as well as commitment.

Kevin Klein (Nsh), D, Milwaukee

Was very calm moving the puck and showed his superior mobility to stay with his man one on one; however, he didn't do any of the end to end rushes he performed last year which really made him stand out. Made the safe pass on the power play but was hesitant to shoot it and looked like he was struggling to find the creativity he displayed last year. Steady showing, but looked to let the nerves of opening night get to him and had an off night. Shouldn't damper his prospect status though as he was likely just having an off night, although he showed the cracks in his game that maybe lead to him to be left off the team and Greg Zannon on the team in Nashville.