NHL Prospect Watch: Daren Machesney

Daren Machesney and his Brampton Battalion will be put to the test this season without the scoring support of Wojtek Wolski (Col) and Luciano Aquino (NYI). Wolski could still return from the Avalanche, however Aquino has just signed with the New York Islanders and been assigned to the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the AHL.

A fifth-round pick of the Washington Capitals and the second OHL goalie taken in June after Kevin Lalande, Machesney appears ready for the challenge ahead as he was named the game's first star. He showed tremendous patience all night and outwaited most shooters which helped to really minimize scoring chances. An extremely athletic goalie who is able to slide from post to post with ease and speed. Machesney stopped all the shootout attempts and made 39 saves to preserve the win.

Brampton's success this season rests squarely on Machesney's shoulders. He is definitely capable of stealing games as he showed tonight, and he'll need to as the firepower up front is rather thin which should mean lots of close contests for the Battalion.