Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Grigorenko, Russians cap series with loss

Mikhail Grigorenko centered the top line Tuesday but was unable to point as Russia was doubled by Canada 4-2 to close the 2012 Canada/Russia Challenge.  The 6'3 pivot finishes with one assist in the four-game set, while continuing to demonstrate own zone efficiency and awareness.

With the series tied at two games apiece, the two teams played a sudden death overtime that was settled 3:20 in when a Ryan Strome (NYI) wrister from the right circle beat Russian netminder Andrei Vasilevski (TAM).

Despite going without a goal, Grigorenko still showed well offensively throughout the week of games, using his puckhandling skills to draw defenders and his vision to hit his wings. Canada's defensive corps did a good job neutralizing his main target, Nail Yakupov, pushing him wide and blocking his route to the net. While the pair's effectiveness was limited, they did connect for quality chances both at even strength and on the power play but simply couldn't convert.

In his own zone, Grigorenko played his middle slot well by retreating low, sticking to his man, and using his long stick to block lanes and gather loose pucks.


What's next for Grigorenko could be dictated by the NHL labor negotiations, but for now the reigning CHL Rookie of the Year will attend training camp with the Quebec Remparts where he'll continue his strength development and execution of high percentage plays with the puck under the guidance of Patrick Roy.