Seth Griffith vs Utica Comets 12/13/2017 (Grade C-)

Wednesday night the Amerks finally managed to exorcise their home ice demons against the Comets with a 3-1 victory. Even though Rochester had taken points in the last 3 games in Utica, the Comets had outscored the Amerks 7-1 in the previous two meetings at the Blue Cross Arena. After an early soft goal spawned from the inability of MacWilliam and Tennyson to clear the net, it looked as though a repeat was forthcoming. However, that was the only goal that Ullmark would surrender in a dominant performance. MacWilliam also grew into the game very well and played great physical hockey delivering blows behind the net on several occasions.  

Unfortunately, Seth Griffith was not able to find his game in a similar fashion. He played his worst game since arriving in Rochester (and still managed to record an assist). I am going to rate his performance a C-. 

Offensively, Griffith was very disappointing. He committed a litany of neutral zone turnovers in bad spots that led to odd man rushes.  Whether failing to skate the puck, or completely missing a pass, he just didn't have it. On one occasion in the offensive zone, he allowed his man to step right in front of him to intercept the puck and clear it up the boards with ease. The only bright spot (and only SOG) came on the power play when he flung a nice low shot to the far post. It led to a juicy rebound that CJ Smith cleaned up for a goal. This extended his point streak to 6 consecutive games. When your hot, your hot.  Based on how well Griffith has played in previous games, I’m sure this was an outlier game for him and I expect much better performances in the future. 

Defensively, Seth really wasn’t much better. He was on the ice for the only Utica goal and failed to cut down the angle on the breakout pass that started the play. If 39 was fore-checking more intensely he could have easily prevented the pass up the wing. I don't think he applied enough pressure on defensemen for the majority of the game.  Fore-checking or pressing the point, he just didn’t have enough energy and wasn’t able to effect the play. If not for a fantastic night from Linus, his turnovers also could have let the Comets right back into the game.  

It can not be said enough what a great addition Griffith has been to the Amerks. As a proven goal scorer at the AHL level, he will certainly play a massive role with this team going forward. I am looking forward to seeing how he bounces back from this shaky game. 

Casey Nelson vs Hartford Wolf Pack 12/1/2017 (Grade B)

Although the Amerks looked the better team for the majority of the night they fell Hartford in a 5-4 shoot out loss. However, there was much more to take away from this game than just a point. Seth Griffith looked phenomenal in his debut and will likely be a key piece in Rochester this year. Also Fasching and Rodrigues continued to impress earning both of them a call up to Buffalo. The only real letdown of the night (aside from a less than stellar performance from Wilcox in goal) was blue chip prospect Alexander Nylander. He looked un-invested in the game, didn’t forecheck with any intensity and missed on a handful of scoring chances you would expect him to do better with. 

Casey Nelson played a very solid game, but there was a few things he could have done better with as well; mainly avoiding the penalty box. The two tripping minors he took will drop his grade to a B. 

The tripping minors that Nelson acquired no doubt stem from his defensive style. As player that consistently chooses to poke and play the puck instead of taking the body he will naturally accumulate more tripping penalties. As of now they represent 3 of the 6 minors he has been whistled for this year. Also instead of lifting the stick and removing his man from the crease Nelson chose to front him in order to deny access to the puck. It worked for him, but if Casey was unable to block incoming shots he would only be providing a double screen for a shaky Adam Wilcox. Though it seems to be a stylistic choice for Nelson to avoid contact he still executed very well. He was able to disrupt entry with his active stick and shut down shooting lanes to block shots consistently. He was always where he needed to be and did not turn the puck over at all. 

Offensively, Nelson has taken tremendous strides from where he began last year as a rookie. The nonsensical and frustrating defensive zone turnovers have been completely removed from his game. Instead he has replaced them with careful passes to clear the zone under pleasure, and some gorgeous tape to tape stretch passes in tight windows when given space. One stretch pass up the wing to Griffith turned a breakout into immediate offense as he was able to pick him out  while Hartford was changing. He made a similar play a week before to assist Nylander on the opening goal of their 10-3 victory. It looks as if the game has finally started to slow down for Nelson and he is handling the puck with much more confidence then in his cringe worthy past performances. 

Overall, Nelson is one of the best defensive prospects in the organization because he continues to improve. Any time you see a player turn a weakness into a strength in such a short period of time it speaks to a fantastic work ethic. Before he makes the jump to the next level he will need to work on his physical play and showcase some ability to become a threat on the point. It may take some time, but by the start of the season next year, Nelson will be very close to NHL ready. 

Evan Rodrigues vs Binghamton Devils 11/24/2017 (Grade A+)

Friday night (11/24) the Amerks thoroughly dominated the Devils in a 10-3 victory in front of what has been the most loud and energetic crowd of the season. Almost everyone on the roster played a phenomenal game and it seemed as if every puck off an Amerk stick was destined for the top corner. Nylander had the best shot of the night to open the scoring with a wicked wrister right off the bar to beat the Devils netminder on the far post. Fasching continued to improve as well, netting two goals and earning himself the third star. On the other side the scoring column, Casey Nelson and Sahir Gill passed the puck very well finishing with 2 and 4 assists respectively.  However, Nick Baptiste continues to underwhelm. In a game with 10 goals he only registered one assist, not making a strong case for a call up in a very crucial year of his development. 

One player who did look like an NHLer was Evan Rodrigues. He was the night’s first star with two goals and two assists. He earned a definitive A+ in my gradebook for his performance. 

Offensively Rodrigues played great. He followed up Nylander early on with a perfect top shelf snipe for the games second goal. It was nice to see his shot measure up with one of the clear blue chip prospects of the organization. But Erod’s second tally was created by the blue-collar work ethic he’s become know for while playing in Rochester. After sneaking behind the net with a man advantage, he gained net front position and notched a nice deflection goal. In addition, zone entry was fantastic.  He made no neutral zone turnovers, and was always willing to sacrifice his body in the corner to dig out pucks. As good as Rodrigues played offensively, goal scoring is not likely to be his key contribution at the next level.  

Defensively Erod is an absolute terror. His fore-checking gave the Devils issues the entire night. He created multiple turnovers in the offensive zone and was able to frustrate their defenseman consistently. Erod showed a bit of this ability as an agitator at the NHL level as well when goading Dion Phaneuf into an altercation last year.  Still, the most impressive thing about Evan on defense is his motor. He is willing to lead a lung-busting fore-check for 60 minutes if that is what it takes to win. That attitude in combination with his speed, active stick, and tight angle control makes him a force to be reckoned with at any level. 

I was very glad to have the opportunity to scout Erod in Rochester this year, because I do not feel that he is an AHL caliber player. I think he is destined for a long NHL career as a 3rd or 4th line energy forward. Potential top 6 players like Nylander and Bailey will get more attention because of their flashy playing style, but in my opinion Erod is the most pro ready prospect in Rochester and should be transitioning to Buffalo full time shortly.