Archives for March 2014

Grigorenko eager to help Rochester Amerks (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle)

‘“The effort was there. You look at certain things,” said coach Ted Nolan. “… The bright light of Girgensons back in the lineup and Ristolainen too. Going forward you see some bright lights.”’

‘Grigorenko has dominated at major junior level, scoring 178 points over parts of three seasons with Quebec. He had 48 points in 28 games for the Remparts after his demotion.’

‘In order to carry over his junior game to the pros, the 6-foot-3 forward will have to play a harder-working game. As a Sabre, he struggled with back-checking and play in the corners. Amerks fans will be looking for improvements in those aspects of his game. That said, he could still be a helpful addition even if his grit hasn’t gotten better. The Amerks are 11th in the AHL in goals scored and Grigorenko might at least be able to set up some scoring chances on the power play.’

‘Among their European and collegiate prospects, they have an extremely promising goalie, two top-notch NCAA defensemen who play vastly different styles, and four quality forwards, all of whom will have a chance to be significant contributors at the NHL level.’

‘Grigorenko appeared in 23 games for Quebec this season, recording 39 points (15+24) and six penalty minutes. Grigorenko collected points in 19 of the 23 games he played for Quebec, including 11 multi-point efforts. The 19-year-old also went on a late-season tear with 16 points in his last seven games. Grigorenko, who turns 20 on May 16, registered nine points (1+8) in Quebec’s five-game playoff loss to Rouyn-Noranda.’

‘A sellout crowd of 19,070 was lured into the building mostly by the pregame ceremonies to induct Dominik Hasek into the Sabres Hall of Fame. The fans undoubtedly walked out chattering about the bizarre goal credited to Buffalo winger Cory Conacher at 8:14 of the third period.’

‘The Sabres did a lot of winning with Hasek, but never won the Stanley Cup. I can’t blame him for wanting to escape a franchise that wouldn’t go all-out to win. It seems an act of mercy to set him free from the dysfunction to win two Cups in Detroit.’

‘“I’ve seen it a couple times, never live,” Stamkos said. “You see it on the highlights. I’m sure I’ll make them now and the un-top 10 but as soon as it went over our D’s stick I knew it had a pretty good chance to go in.”‘

‘“We can kind of position him and what have you, but you have to have that competitive spirit,” Nolan said. “He does. He’s very competitive.”’