Add Pihlman, Balmochnykh, and Suglobov to the list of impressive camps

http://tinylink.com/?B3zkVQSar1

Devils odds and ends

Friday, September 19, 2003

By TOM GULITTI
STAFF WRITER

Bumper crop

After a week of training camp, Devils' general manager Lou Lamoriello is glowing over the depth of young talent he has seen on the ice and the progress these players have made. Rookie defensemen David Hale, Paul Martin, and Matt DeMarchi have gotten most of the attention, but forwards Tuomas Pihlman, Ilkka Pikkarainen, Maxim Balmochnykh, and Aleksander Suglobov have also impressed in camp.

"This is the best group of younger players that have come in in one given year as far as quality and quantity," Lamoriello said. "I couldn't be more excited. Any number of eight players will be in this organization. Whether they are all in Albany or some are here, over training camp we'll decide that. But they'll be given opportunities."

Suiting up

The 20 players who practiced in the first group Thursday were essentially the same ones that will dress for tonight's game. Devils' coach Pat Burns said he planned to make at least one change, but wouldn't specify. Thursday's line combinations: Patrik Elias-Scott Gomez-Grant Marshall, Jay Pandolfo-John Madden-Greg Crozier, Jiri Bicek-Erik Rasmussen-Pihlman, Christian Berglund-Mike Rupp-Balmochnykh. Defense pairings: Colin White-Paul Martin, David Hale-Brian Rafalski, Sean Brown-Tommy Albelin. ... The Devils' minor league players and rookies will also take on their Flyers' counterparts in an exhibition game at 1 p.m. today at the Flyers' practice rink in Voorhees.

I just rubbed it in Triumphs face....three of the 4 guys there I reved about and said they all have a good chacne at playing in the nhl this year. This was at njdevs. Balmochnykh, Suglobov, and Pikkarainen were the three players. Damn I feel good.

On this site I said I have an odd good feeling about Balmochnykh this pre season. I retire.

After a week of training camp, Devils' general manager Lou Lamoriello is glowing over the depth of young talent he has seen on the ice and the progress these players have made.

"This is the best group of younger players that have come in in one given year as far as quality and quantity," Lamoriello said. "I couldn't be more excited. Any number of eight players will be in this organization. Whether they are all in Albany or some are here, over training camp we'll decide that. But they'll be given opportunities."

Wow. This is awesome! We knew there were a lot of good prospects this year, and Lou confirms it! It's an exciting time to be a Devils fan. Conte is earning his pay!!

Wow do you really think NJ can turn Balmochnykh into a star? It would be great and NJ has ressurected a few careers. (Mogilny Friesen)

Too early to even think Balmochnykh will be a star. He needs to get his head in full gear and commit himself to good hard work.

Too early to even think Balmochnykh will be a star. He needs to get his head in full gear and commit himself to good hard work.

Exactly. He should work on keeping a NHL roster spot before stardom comes. And the window of opportunity, I would think, isn't getting any more open.

QUESTION:

What do you think Suglobov chances of making the team are?

I personally believe someone like Suglobov is what Elias needs: a dynamic RWer who is a pure snipper.



Elias-Gomez-Suglobov????????

QUESTION:

What do you think Suglobov chances of making the team are?

I personally believe someone like Suglobov is what Elias needs: a dynamic RWer who is a pure snipper.



Elias-Gomez-Suglobov????????
Not yet, leave him in the AHL for some games and then call him up and see how he does. I know he will be playing tomorow and this should be an improtant game to determine if he can stay with the big club.