This Soup is Getting Better

Tonight's Star: Max Campbell

His scoring streak ended on Friday night but Max Campbell (2007 5th) got right back at it on Saturday as his Western Michigan Broncos made it a 4 point weekend with a 5-0 win over Nebraska-Omaha.

Campbell scored his 14th goal of the season, added an assist on what was the game winning goal, was a +2 on the game while being on the ice for 4 of the 5 WMU goals. This might have been Campbell's best game of the season from an offensive standpoint.

It started with Campbell, Greg Squires and Patrick Galivan teaming up for a goal just 1:36 into the game. The assist was Campbell's 7th on the season and it was all WMU needed for their 8th win of the season and their 5th win since Jan 1.

The same trio then teamed up for the game's final goal as this time it was a wide open Campbell who snapped the feed from Galivan at 16:21 of the 3rd period. It was a power play goal and Campbell's prospect leading 10th power play goal.

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The Rest of the Prospects

NCAAs

Call us dinosaurs because we do not care what silly computer simulation says as no computer is ever going to replace what on ice effort can ever do. In other words in our book after Derek Stepan's Wisconsin Badgers defeated 9th ranked Minnesota 5-4 for the weekend sweep, we say that the Badgers are heading to the NCAAs.

Derek Stepan (2008 2nd) had 2 assists (his 17th and 18th) as the NCAA's second best freshman scorer showed why we are so high on this young forward. As we said yesterday, Stepan is the speed that is missing from the roster.

Also headed to the NCAAs will be 4th ranked Michigan with Carl Hagelin (2007 6th) as Hagelin's 9th goal of the season tied the game at 1 and Michigan went on to defeat the Lake Superior Lakers 2-1 for their 7th straight win.

We loved this goal as Hagelin brought the puck into the offensive zone, did nothing fancy but as soon as he got to the high slot, he snapped off a wrist shot that appeared to fool Lake Superior goalie Pat Inglis.

You can see the replay of this game on the NHL Network Sunday at 12 EDT/9 PDT.

OHL

Michael Del Zotto (2008 1st) had a shorthanded assist but it was not enough as his London Knights dropped their 2nd in a row this time to the Barrie Colts 3-2 in overtime. Wonder what the Del Zotto critics are going to say about Del Zotto playing on the penalty kill?

Mitch Gaulton (2008 6th) struggled as did the rest of his Erie Otter teammates as they lost to the Saginaw Spirit 5-2. Gaulton was a -3 for the game but this was a team loss as nobody on the Otters looked good at all.

WHL

Tomas Kundratek (2008 3rd) had an assist as his Medicine Hat Tigers had no trouble with the Moose Jaw Warriors 5-2. The assist to us was not important since it was a meaningless one at the end of the game.

What was important for us was some improved defensive play out of Kundratek who has been struggling as of late. We kind of expected Kundratek to hit a wall about this time of the season given this is his first year in North America.

The key is going to be how does his adjust to this "wall" and that is what we will be watching for.

Tysen Dowzak (2008 UFA) from what we know of him typically does not lose his cool so we will update this spot when we get a report but Dowzak earned himself 14 minutes in PIMs for responding to Kamloop's Tyler Shattock's hit from behind. Since we do not have details this is where we will stop other than to say that Dowzak's Kelowna Rockets whipped on the Kamloops Blazers.

(Sunday Update: We got double word that Dowzak took exception to Shattock's hit and it was a fight that did not get credited as one. And yes Dowzak won said fight so we will credit him with a fighting major)

We are going to interview Tysen next week so we look forward to letting the giant speak for himself.

Canada West

Greg Beller (2005 6th) was scoreless as his Manitoba Bison lost to the Calgary Dinos 4-3 in the shootout. Beller was a +1 for the game as the Bison continue to drive towards the CW playoffs.

Healthy Scratch

Danny Hobbs (2007 7th) was a healthy scratch for the UMass Minutemen as they lost to UMass Lowell 2-1. Hobbs now has been a healthy scratch in 3 of the last 4 UMass games.


(Max Campbell courtesy of WMU Broncos)

At the Speed of Stepan

Tonight's Star: Derek Stepan

This was supposed to be a happy report (until we saw how the Rangers did)because we wanted to talk about what we believe is going to be a very important part of the Ranger's future. Who cares if we sound like a broken record because at times it seems like we are the only one who sees the potential of Derek Stepan of the Wisconsin Badgers.

Against the 9th ranked Minnesota Golden Gophers, Stepan showed what speed can do. Speed can draw penalties (which Stepan did), speed can score goals (which Stepan did) and speed can disrupt the flow of the other team's offense (which Stepan did too).

Wisconsin won the game 3-2 but honestly the Badgers were outplayed for most of the game by Minnesota. In the first period, Stepan's speed caused Minnesota's Justin Bostrom to grab Stepan or else risk Stepan breaking away.

The Badgers did not score on the power play but it bought them time to regroup even if it did not last long. In the second period, with the teams skating 4 on 4, it was the speed of Stepan that again played a huge part.

Wisconsin's Ryan McDonagh broke in on Minnesota's goalie Alex Kangas fired a shot that had a fat rebound but there was Stepan who had broken in behind the defense to pick up the rebound and score on an out of position Kangas.

With the Badgers clinging to a 3-2 lead in the third period, it was Stepan who was getting into passing lanes and showing us that the prospect who was supposed to be just an offensive only player has learned a lot in his freshman season.

Give Stepan 2 seasons at Wisconsin then color him Broadway Blue.

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In the NCAAs

We accept the blame for Max Campbell's (2007 5th) 6 game scoring streak coming to an end. We jinxed him with the PPPW but I am sure he will gladly trade the end of the streak if his Western Michigan Broncos win in the shootout like they did over Nebraska-Omaha via the shootout.

Campbell did not score in regulation but scored a key goal in the shootout to help the Broncos continue their second half climb in the CCHA standings.

Also continuing their second half turnaround was Carl Hagelin (2007 6th) and his 4th ranked Michigan Wolverines. Hagelin had an assist as the Wolverines had no problem with the Lake Superior Lakers 5-1.

In the OHL

We had mixed feelings in watching Mitch Gaulton (2008 6th) and his Erie Otters take on the Saute Ste Marie Greyhounds in OHL action. See we had a curiosity about a 16 year old defensemen playing for the Greyhounds by the name of Beukeboom as in Brock Beukeboom who yes is the son of "The Beuk".

Getting the game out of the way, Gaulton had an assist as his Otters won the game 4-3 via the shootout but folks put it this way: Like father like son as we see a very bright future for young Beukeboom (6'2 190 and on a projection to be as big as dad).

Young Beuk has more offense than his father and shows more potential to be a 2 way defender not just the defensive defender that his father was.

Evgeny Grachev's (2008 3rd) 29th goal of the season was part of a 4 goal 2nd period outburst as Grachev's Brampton Battalion won their 12th straight game 5-2 over the Ottawa 67's. Grachev now has points in 14 out of his last 15 games (12-13-25).

Michael Del Zotto (2008 1st) had an assist but his London Knights gave up 2 goals in the last 10 minutes and lost to the CHL's top ranked team the Windsor Spitfires 4-3. The Knights were pointing to this game and have to be disappointed that they had the game but gave it back.

The WHL

Tysen Dowzak (2008 UFA) and the Kelowna Rockets needed overtime before defeating the Everett Silvertips 2-1 to go 5-0-1-1 in their last 7 games. Dowzak continued his return to form on the defensive end but still has a way to go.

The QMJHL

Lost in the Grachev highlight show is that Chris Doyle (2008 5th) still the leading scorer among the Ranger prospects. Doyle is 23-36-59 despite losing 2 weeks with an injury. Doyle scored that 23rd goal of the season as his Prince Edward Island Rockets defeated the Chicoutimi Saguenéens 4-1.

Antoine Lafleur (2007 2nd) got to play back up as his Rouyn-Noranda Huskies lost to the Halifax Mooseheads 3-1.

CIS

Greg Beller (2005 6th) was scoreless but his Manitoba Bisons defeated the Calgary Dinos 4-2, The Bisons are now 5-1-1 with Beller in the lineup (7-7-4 without) as they clinched a Canada West playoff spot with the win.

Healthy Scratch

Danny Hobbs (2007 7th) did not dress for his UMass Minutemen's 2-0 loss to Boston College

(pictures: Stepan/Wisconsin Badgers, Buekeboom/OHL)

F-I-R-E is a 4 Letter Word

It is kind of funny to read a lot of the comments written by Ranger fans on the various blogs these days. After the 1-0 loss, the internet was full of "Fire Renney" postings but one thing stands out from these postings.

If you want to fire the coach then how come almost 90% of those wanting this termination do not offer a suggestion as to who should replace Renney? Yes that silence is deafening but here is the sad truth that even we hate to admit; there is no replacement out there that could turn this season around mainly because of Glen Sather

Do you actually think that Glen Sather would hire John Torterella? Peter Laviolette? Bob Hartley? See that is the problem and also the insurance policy that sadly buys Renney to the end of the season.

It is way too easy to fire Tom Renney because it solves nothing at all as the root cause of the problem remains and that is Glen Sather. As long as Sather gets to pick and choose who coaches the Rangers then do not expect a season saving turnaround.

We would kill for Jim Schoenfeld to step behind the bench because at the least we know Schoeny would stick his foot up the rear end of those Rangers who do not give 100%. However sadly Schoeny doesn't want to coach and would repeat his refusal of the Ranger's head coaching position.

That would leave either one of Renney's assistants Pelino or Pearn which would be no change or Sather himself would return behind the bench. We will stick with Tom Renney given those options.

Please also notice that we say that we want Renney replaced as the head coach but we do not want to end his relationship with the Rangers. Tom Renney has a ton to offer the Ranger franchise because he really is one of the smarter minds in hockey, Renney is one of the best organizers and planners in the game and the Rangers have a huge need for his thinking.

So in between the name calling and the childish fighting that too many Ranger "fans" take part in how about when demanding changes offer some legit solutions. The old days are back it seems as Ranger fans are back to fighting among each other.

Grow up please and realize that the wasted energy spent on flame wars/insults only distracts from the real problems facing the Rangers and actually helps them. If you really want to see change then you need to stop fighting with each other and direct your anger at the Ranger front office.

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Evgeny Grachev (2008 3rd) may have had a very quiet OHL All-Star game but had an impact on Thursday evening in his return to the Brampton Battalion lineup. Grachev set up linemate Matt Duchene for the game winner as the Battalion defeated the Kingston Frontenacs in overtime 4-3 for their 11th straight win.

Duchene got the goal but it was very much the Grachev play that won the game as Grachev faked a shot so well that the Frontenacs went for it and Grachev just slid the puck over to Duchene for a basically easy goal.

For us, it was exactly what we have been wanting to see out of Grachev down the stretch. The majority of Grachev's points have come in the first or second period this season and our experience with Grachev taught us that he is more than able to score clutch goals late in games.

Now we want to see more of this down the stretch.

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Tomas Kundratek (2008 3rd) and his Medicine Hat Tigers returned home from their western road trip and got themselves spanked 8-4 by the Calgary Hitmen. Kundratek had an assist for this 13th point of the season but that was it.

Kundratek actually set up what was the goal that tied the game 2-2 in the first period but from the second period on, the Hitmen showed why they are one of the best in the WHL by scoring 5 goals in the second period.

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Antoine Lafleur (2007 2nd) and his Rouyn-Noranda Huskies got royally whipped by the Moncton Wildcats 6-1. Lafleur gave up all 6 goals but he can blame the lack of support for several of the goals that were given up.

3 of the Wildcat goals were scored on the power play and the Wildcats were credited with 18 dangerous shots out of the 29 they took. On the average most teams only must 6-9 dangerous shots in a game.

However at the same time Lafleur now has to realize that if he wants to become a professional goalie then he needs to start stealing wins for the Huskies. If he does not then the Rangers have a decision to make in June regarding whether or not to sign him.


(Renney pic courtesy of the New York Rangers)

Back to Work

Prospect Of the Week Max Campbell

It is hard when your team is struggling to look good and help your cause as a prospect but Max Campbell (2007 5th) is doing that. Playing for a rebuilding Western Michigan University Bronco team as a sophomore, Campbell has found himself as the Bronco's leading goal scorer as well as their first line center.

Campbell struggled early this season as did WMU but Campbell has turned up his game so has the Broncos. Campbell after a 2 goal, 1 assist weekend is now is the hottest Ranger prospect thanks to a 6 game scoring streak.

Campbell did not earn this honor because of his points but rather for his overall play against Northern Michigan even though WMU lost both games. It was our first extended look at Campbell this season and we see a prospect who is working harder at both ends of the ice.

We also admit that we like Soup as he is a good hard working kid who nobody else seems to think has a shot at the Rangers. Nothing fazes him and maybe it is his underdog status that makes us root for him.

Or maybe it is because we see a prospect who can score goals with a natural touch and for a franchise that is so inept on offense that we really hope Campbell can develop.

Either case the Soup is hot and our Prospect of the Week.

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So Evgeny Grachev of the Brampton Battalion and Michael Del Zotto of the London Knights played in the 2009 OHL All-Star Classic. Well the battle of Ranger prospects turned out to be a quiet night as neither scored, neither stood out but Grachev's Eastern Conference team defeated Del Zotto's Western Conference team 11-6.

For us it was kind of disappointing as we wanted to see the 2 prospects go against each other but we will wait until Feb 19th when it will be the regular season match up of the teams. Until then the game of the CHL season might be this Friday night when Del Zotto and his Knights go against the CHL's top ranked team the Windsor Spitfires.

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Regan Bartel who is the radio voice of the Kelowna Rockets let us know that Tysen Dowzak (2008 UFA) played in his 200th WHL game on Tuesday evening.

We also want to say hello to our newest of friends Ryan Watters of the Kelowna Rockets who sent us this picture of Tysen while setting us up for an interview this month with Tysen.

This picture was courtesy of Tim Swanky but it does not show just how huge the 6'5 Dowzak really is.

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Poll Updates

In the college polls, Carl Hagelin and his Michigan Wolverines have moved up to 4th in both the USA Today and CBS College polls from 8th. Derek Stepan and his Wisconsin Badgers are 17th and 16th in the same polls.

The change though is in the CHL Top Ten poll as Michael Del Zotto's London Knights dropped to 7th but Evgeny Grachev's Brampton Battalion returned to the poll at 10th.

This is the first time where we have 4 Ranger prospects in the polls at the same time. Not bad for prospects who aren't supposed to all that good eh?

(pictures: Campbell courtesy of WMU, Dowzak courtesy of Kelowna/Tim Swanky)

The Evgeny Grachev Show

The Dean Prentice Prospect of the Month

Evgeny Grachev got his 2009 off to a very impressive start as the Ranger's 2008 3rd round pick put up excellent numbers for the month of January. In a total of 14 games, Grachev was 10-13-23 for the month.,

In 3 games with Team Russia during the medal round of the World Under-20 Championships, Grachev was 2-2-4. Upon returning to Brampton of the OHL Grachev got even better as he was 8-11-19 +16 in 11 games.

It was a month where Grachev simply got better and better as the month wore on. Even more impressive was that Grachev had points in 13 straight games with just the last game of the month as the only one where Grachev failed to record any points.

You want more perhaps? How about that Grachev had just one game where he was a "minus", 4 games where Grachev had 3 points and a 4 game goal scoring streak. It was also a month where Grachev had 3 First Stars, 1 Second Star, and 2 Third Stars.

Oh and Grachev was also named to play in the OHL All-Star Game but if you want to find a reason to knock Grachev then it will be that he only had one game winning goal. Other than that there is nothing but positives about Grachev's efforts.

Other players who earned consideration were Michael Del Zotto of the London Knights (4-9-13) and Max Campbell of Western Michigan (5-1-6).

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But now we are in the month of February and Evgeny Grachev is starting a new streak. Grachev scored his prospect leading 28th goal of the season as his Brampton Battalion won their 10th straight game 6-3 over the Sudbury Wolves.

Grachev's goal was all him as Grachev forced a turnover, took the puck up ice and using his backhand to score what proved to be the game winner at 16:40 of the second period. Grachev has a legit chance to score 40 goals this season as well as 80 points.

Michael Del Zotto (2008 1st) and his London Knights finished a 3 games in 3 nights stretch with a 4-3 loss to the Ottawa 67s. Del Zotto had an assist as well as a -1 for the night as this was a very tired Knight team.

Del Zotto is going to the OHL All-Star Game on Wednesday where he will be facing Grachev.

Danny Hobbs (2007 7th) was a healthy scratch as his UMass Minutemen lost to the Maine BlackBears 2-1

(Grachev courtesy of the Brampton Battalion)