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Post by SeaBass on Sept 19, 2022 8:33:41 GMT -5
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Post by SeaBass on Sept 19, 2022 9:27:27 GMT -5
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Post by SeaBass on Sept 19, 2022 9:28:09 GMT -5
BUFFALO — Like any kid in his first NHL training camp, whether he’s Canadian or American or Russian or from parts unknown, Georgii Merkulov would like to go directly into big league hockey.
Merkulov, 21, left his home outside Moscow three years ago, his eye fixed on the NHL, and signed as with the Bruins as a free agent this spring after a season at Division 1 Ohio State. His one year with the Buckeyes, combined with two seasons at USHL Youngstown, convinced him it was time to turn pro.
“I came to the US to play in the NHL — not to get educated,” Merkulov noted following the club’s noon workout here on Sunday. “I wanted to sign a deal. So as soon I got an offer, I didn’t think once about staying in school.”
League economics also factored into Merkulov’s decision-making. He didn’t need an MBA or Ouija board to know the NHL salary cap increased only $1 million from last season, that nearly half the league was tight against the $82.5 million figure. The player supply may be endless, but the cap, and 2022 market forces have siphoned pressure off the demand side.
If you look around the league, there’s so many good players right now struggling to sign a deal,” mused Merkulov. “If you get a chance, you have to take it. You can’t decline the deal.”
“You know, I prefer to play the middle of the ice — kind of like [David] Krejci and [Patrice] Bergeron and [Charlie] Coyle,” he said. “The team is packed this year. So I would love to be in Boston, but I understand the team is probably in the running for a Cup this year.”
Merkulov also knows his game needs some refining to make the jump to the next level. Bergeron, Krejci, and Coyle base their success around their ability to play a 200-foot game. The 5-foot-10-inch Merkulov is done growing, but he’ll need to add a few feet to the length of his game to make him a reliable, effective contributor in all three zones.
“There’s a lot of things,” Merkulov said. “I’ve talked to the coaches and managers. I have to work on my game in the D-zone, and all that stuff. So I’m not in a rush to make the team this year. Obviously, yeah, I would love to, but … if I spend some time in Boston this year, I’ll be thrilled.”
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Post by kjc2 on Sept 19, 2022 11:10:09 GMT -5
I watched Lauko throw some nasty upper cuts on some poor Devil. Who knew😂
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Post by kjc2 on Sept 19, 2022 11:34:23 GMT -5
Bruins win 3-2 in shootout Merkulov and Beecher score in regulation
Merkulov and Lysell score in the shootout.
Toporowski said he scored in the last 5 seconds of OT but there is no video review
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Post by SeaBass on Sept 19, 2022 11:47:10 GMT -5
I just finished watching the game..slow day at work.
Lysell is by far our best prospect. Sometimes he tries to make the perfect/impossible pass (hmm sounds familiar) Beecher is next. Don't think he lost a faceoff today. Strong on the puck. Poitras looked ok as did Merkulov (also tries to be too cute). Toporowski looked ok too.
Our D was not great. Got beat by speed several times. Edward and Brunet got beat several times. Not great on the puck battles either.
Lauko did win his fight but Edward got his ass handed to him.
Just my opinions of course. Let's see how some of them do in the big boy camp next week.
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Post by SeaBass on Sept 19, 2022 11:53:18 GMT -5
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Post by SeaBass on Sept 19, 2022 11:53:27 GMT -5
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Post by kjc2 on Sept 19, 2022 14:40:55 GMT -5
Slick mitts but I agree he has work to do and will get better in Providence.
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Post by kjc2 on Sept 19, 2022 14:42:27 GMT -5
Lysell made it look easy, he’ll get a long look in camp but he needs to get stronger I think. Probably start in Providence.
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Post by kjc2 on Sept 19, 2022 14:49:56 GMT -5
You can tell that Beecher is older, his game is definitely more complete than the rest of them, I think he has a chance if they can find a spot for him. Not really any room at center unless someone gets moved out.
McLaughlin will see time with the big Bruins but again not a regular spot unless there’s an injury or they give him the fourth line job.
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Post by kjc2 on Sept 19, 2022 14:52:00 GMT -5
I just finished watching the game..slow day at work. Lysell is by far our best prospect. Sometimes he tries to make the perfect/impossible pass (hmm sounds familiar) Beecher is next. Don't think he lost a faceoff today. Strong on the puck. Poitras looked ok as did Merkulov (also tries to be too cute). Toporowski looked ok too. Our D was not great. Got beat by speed several times. Edward and Brunet got beat several times. Not great on the puck battles either. Lauko did win his fight but Edward got his ass handed to him. Just my opinions of course. Let's see how some of them do in the big boy camp next week. I missed the Edward fight.
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Post by fforr on Sept 19, 2022 20:23:36 GMT -5
Was ok with Berglund. Some size, wasn’t afraid of the puck.
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Post by SeaBass on Sept 20, 2022 7:18:04 GMT -5
I just finished watching the game..slow day at work. Lysell is by far our best prospect. Sometimes he tries to make the perfect/impossible pass (hmm sounds familiar) Beecher is next. Don't think he lost a faceoff today. Strong on the puck. Poitras looked ok as did Merkulov (also tries to be too cute). Toporowski looked ok too. Our D was not great. Got beat by speed several times. Edward and Brunet got beat several times. Not great on the puck battles either. Lauko did win his fight but Edward got his ass handed to him. Just my opinions of course. Let's see how some of them do in the big boy camp next week. I missed the Edward fight. Guess it wasn't as bad as itlooked.
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Post by SeaBass on Sept 20, 2022 7:18:45 GMT -5
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Post by SeaBass on Sept 23, 2022 7:33:24 GMT -5
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Post by SeaBass on Sept 26, 2022 6:59:29 GMT -5
Looks like the Bruins have sent some junior eligible players home from camp (Poitras, Edward). Mast still listed on the roster though.
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Post by SeaBass on Sept 27, 2022 8:09:21 GMT -5
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Post by orym on Sept 27, 2022 11:30:11 GMT -5
I might get a chance to see Reid Dyck Saturday in WHL action in Saskatoon. I'll report back if he plays and tell you all what I think!
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Post by SeaBass on Sept 29, 2022 6:52:20 GMT -5
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Post by SeaBass on Sept 30, 2022 10:13:12 GMT -5
Winger Luke Toporowski, who stood out in rookie camp, was among Monday’s demotions to Providence. The undrafted “Topper” played five WHL seasons and scored 35 goals last year with Spokane and Kamloops. Only 21, he has to grow his game, but his shot is already at a legit NHL level. He can hammer, almost at a Bobby Schmautz level. And like Schmautzie, he comes out firing. So beware, patrons of the balcony seats.
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Post by SeaBass on Oct 3, 2022 10:34:36 GMT -5
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Post by orym on Oct 3, 2022 13:48:42 GMT -5
The Swift Current Broncos got smoked on Saturday 8-3! Reid Dyck got yanked early in the 2nd as the prospect update already stated (5 goals given up). He was hung out to dry mostly all night. I definitely didn't think any of the goals were particularly soft but obviously not his best night. Hopefully I'll see him again this season and he has a better showing then!
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Post by SeaBass on Oct 12, 2022 8:38:38 GMT -5
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Post by SeaBass on Oct 13, 2022 12:00:10 GMT -5
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Post by kjc2 on Oct 17, 2022 4:32:12 GMT -5
Lysell first star in both of his AHL games.
3 assists last night in the 4-3 victory
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Post by nfld77 on Oct 17, 2022 12:41:27 GMT -5
Lysell first star in both of his AHL games. 3 assists last night in the 4-3 victory I think that's a goal and 3 assists in 2 games??
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Post by kjc2 on Oct 23, 2022 10:18:10 GMT -5
No Lysell for the P Bruins last night. They play a third consecutive game today so maybe they’re being careful with the kid.
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Post by nfld77 on Oct 23, 2022 21:31:07 GMT -5
No Lysell for the P Bruins last night. They play a third consecutive game today so maybe they’re being careful with the kid. In just 3 games, the kid has 6 pts already..The young Russian Merkulov has 4 goals and assist in 5 games..So Lysell missed 2 games but still leads team in points, soon be called up I wonder?? Not really a rush to do it with Boston playing so well..
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Post by nfld77 on Oct 23, 2022 21:31:52 GMT -5
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