Budding KHL star Daniil Orlov will likely miss the rest of the season after requiring back surgery from injuries sustained during a training accident. This is a serious blow as the 22-year-old defenseman was on pace for his best season with 11 points in 20 games. Orlov is still under contract with Spartak Moskva for another season.
Obviously, Devils fans hope for a full and speedy recovery. Back surgery can be tricky and one never knows what kind of player Orlov will be when he returns to game action. Orlov’s contract situation gives the Devils a full season next year to evaluate his progress before trying to bring him over. We all hope for the best.
It has not been a healthy year for the Devils Russian defenseman prospects. Nikita Shcherbakov and Artyom Barabosha have also missed time due to injuries.
Around the Pool:
- On Friday night, the Utica Comets cruised to a 5-2 victory over the Syracuse Crunch. Gabe Klassen scored twice, upping his season total to 5. Center Matyas Melovsky returned from injury to assist on Lenni Hameenaho’s fifth goal of the season. Goaltender David Rittich stopped 24 of 26.
- The Comets followed up Friday’s win with another win Saturday, this time 4-1 over Rochester. Veteran Stefan Noesen scored his first as a Comet on an empty net and added two assists. Matyas Melovsky took a break from assisting on Lenni Hameenaho’s goals to score one of his own on a nice tip on the power play.
Melovsky continues to thrive and now has 5 points in 6 games on the season. Veterans Colin White and Xavier Parent also had two-point nights. Goaltender Jakub Malek earned the win, stopping 17 of 18 shots, and improving his record to 3-1 with a 1.73 GAA and .900 SV%. After the victory, the Comets had the highest winning percentage in the AHL (.800) with a 8-2 record, but were only 3rd in the North due to having four games in hand on both first place Laval and second place Toronto. Utica’s next game is Tuesday night against the Penguins.
Many fans have asked about Anton Silaev. So, enjoy this effortless reach and chip to break up the Rochester power play.
These are the types of plays Silaev makes. They don’t often get noticed on the scoresheet, but they help win games. Also, please check out this article by Ben Birnell of the Daily Sentinel highlighting veteran Utica defenseman Dmitry Osipov’s role in mentoring Silaev this season.
- Center Quinn McKenzie had another three point night, boosting him up to 17 points in 20 games for Soo.
- A nice milestone for defenseman Chase Cheslock, who has seven points in eight games this season.
- Great power play goal by center Mason Moe for his 2nd of the season.
- After a breakout year in the USHL with the Chicago Steel, goaltender Veeti Louhivaara has struggled to adjust to the NCAA, but it’s early yet.
- Lastly, another great start by Mikhail Yegorov for Boston University. Kid is going places.
A Personal Note
Lastly, on a personal note, I want to congratulate my cousin Hallie, who sang the National Anthem during Military Appreciate Night at the Devils game this past week. She did a wonderful job.
We are proud of you, Hallie!
