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Buzz: How Well Is Grachev Doing At TC?

by Adam Rotter on September 8th, 2009 at 10:45 am

Through two games at the Traverse City tournament, Evgeny Grachev, third round 2008, has one goal, nine shots on goal, two penalty minutes and is a -2.

Rangers Director of Player Personnel, Gordie Clark said this after the loss to Carolina:

“He dominated the entire game and was dangerous whenever he touched the puck.  In the second half, especially, he took his game to another level with his size and strength.  He used his natural attributes to control the puck and the flow of the game.”

After scoring and being on the ice for all four Rangers goals, Clark said this:

“Once again, he dominated the game with his size and strength, and was rewarded with a well-deserved goal that demonstrated these attributes.”

….Sounds awesome, Grachev is the greatest player of all time, the hype machine continues.

….But seriously, Clark paints Grachev to be a dominating figure in these games, but that isn’t how Leslie Treff, of HF puts it.

In her report on Day 1 of the tourny, Treff wrote this:

Finally, to be successful in this tournament, Rangers top prospect Evgeny Grachev has to be dominant on the ice. However, he did not come anywhere near that level of play, and although he demonstrated some excellent speed and moves twice tonight, he must play that way consistently for the Rangers to be a factor here.

After his performance yesterday, Treff wrote:

Evgeny Grachev was plus four in today’s contest, but still has not been as visible as was expected in this tournament. There were moments today where he looked like he would break out and be the star of the game, but he was more of a behind the scenes contributor than the scoresheet indicates.

…So that seems pretty contradicting. Also consider the sources, Clark is only out their to hype the prospects, and while I don’t think he is lying, he may just be dominating in a different way then Treff sees. Or, with all of his hype, Grachev with only one goal, hasn’t matched the expectation that Treff thought she would see from Grachev.

Again, he is only 19 and will probably play at least half this season in Hartford. Hopefully, Grachev can step up his game enough so that Treff starts to praise him more, but if that happens, I can’t imagine what Clark would say. His joy would probably jump through the screen.
  • waynefromwestbury

    It seems only logical that the most accurate description of Grachev’s play would probably fall somewhere in between Treff’s and Clark’s. But when Treff states that he was more of a behind the scenes contributor than the scoresheet indicates?????? What does that mean? You either score or you don’t! Never take anything for granted on any level of hockey especially the NHL, got that Leslie. What were you expecting a 19 year old kid to score a hat trick every time he hits the ice? Let him get comfortable give him a little time. His strength and hockey ability are undeniable. He will be as good or better than anyone on the current Ranger roster within 5 years that’s including Gaborik! In fact if Gaborik stays healthy it would be nice to see him play together with Grachev. Putting that kid on a line with a talent like Gaborik will only bring out his own talent in a short time. By the way Leslie where did you play your hockey??? You sound like an Islander or Devil fan to me??????

  • waynefromwestbury

    awfully unsporty of me Leslie. If you want to chat hockey feel free to email me, wayner2@optonline.net. Be careful however I do get the feeling I was bleeding Ranger blue when you were in diapers maybe even before that! All kidding aside I love to talk hockey with anybody so bring it to me and we’ll chew the hockey fat. 25 days until opening night, LETS GO RANGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!