Boys in the big show and game recap

In case you missed it, Alexander Pechurskiy got called to the Pittsburgh Penguins to play last night. He was like pretty good and stuff:

NHL feature (a great read):

But for the night, Pechurski can enjoy his dream coming true. It’s an experience he won’t ever forget.

“It was tough on me because I finished the game last night and was traveling,” Pechurski said. “I didn’t sleep much so it tough physically.

“My defense helped me. We have a young team and everybody was helping me, cheering me up and supporting me.”

Gregg Drinnan at Taking Note:

Earlier Friday, Pechurskiy was on the receiving end of a phone call from Pittsburgh Penguins star centre Evgeni Malkin. The two share the same hometown and Malkin just wanted to see how Pechurskiy was doing. Little did he know that the two would be teammates come Saturday.
After Friday’s game, Pechurskiy was informed that the Penguins, who had selected him in the fifth round of the NHL’s 2008 draft, wanted him in Vancouver for Saturday night’s game against the Canucks.

25Superstar at Hockey to the Max:

I'm pretty sure that whoever watched this game knows that Alexander Pechurski, the 19 year old backup to our backup's backup, is a freaking hero. He had just won a game for his junior team (Tri-City of the WHL) and barely slept, travelled, and arrived in Vancouver with his billet 12 hours later. He was wearing Flower's pads. He had to wear #40 because his #70 jerseys were stuck in customs. He didn't expect to play. . . And then he made 12 saves on 13 shots. He played more than half the game. That's a lot to ask of a kid barely 2 months older than me (btw,this fact blew my mind).

Fun fact: Alex made history by being the first Russian to EVER play goal for the Penguins.

He played fantastically. He got the third star and received a standing O from the fans when he came out as third star--both classy moves by Vancouver. His post-game interview was translated through Gonchar which made it that much more precious. All the players came out to congratulate him like he had won the game. THAT is why I love this team. They are amazing.

In the post game interview, Alex said: "My new friends helped me." Cue the AWWWWWs.

Puck Daddy gives From Russia With Glove Honorable Mention for 3 stars of the NHL last night:

Vancouver in their 6-2 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Stung by an injury to Marc-Andre Fleury(notes) Thursday night in Edmonton, the Penguins had to sign 19-year old Alexander Pechursky of the Tri-City Americans of the Western Hockey League to a one-day amateur try-out contract. Thinking he was going to just work the door tonight, Pechursky was thrown into action in the second period and stopped 12 of the 13 shots he faced after John Curry(notes) was pulled.

Teebz at Hockey Blog in Canada:

Pechurski's first game saw him play a total of 35:31, stopping 12 of 13 shots. The one that got by him was a Ryan Kesler powerplay goal in the second period for Vancouver's sixth goal. Fundamentally, the youngster looked fairly good. It's also interesting to not that Pechurski doesn't speak a word of English, so he had Sergei Gonchar translate for him at practice. Pechurski was a fifth-round pick in 2008 for the Penguins, so it was straight into the fire for him. And I'd say he did quite well.

and those are just a couple of the blogs in my Google Reader. Obviously, I didn't see the game (it's being replayed on NHL Network today at 11 am PST). Scotty Wazz watched it and sent me his notes (isn't he a sweetheart?):

He definitely got tested early. His first save was post-to-post, and barely getting his elbow on it to put it over the net; but it showed out his hybrid style. That impressed the CBC guys a lot, pretty much keying on his unusual style. There wasn't much fear as he was coming out to challenge at the top of his crease and really keeping himself in check. The only goal he did give up was a double-deflection that he could have had if not tipped the second time by Kesler. I guess if you don't have any expectations going into something like that, you show no fear to it all when you get the call. He was good enough to get the third star of the game (12 saves, .923 SV%) and really show that the Penguins do have quality depth on their roster chart.

So there you have it. Having not seen the game (yet) I haven't necessarily changed my opinion of FRWG. I've never said he sucked (except at playing the puck, which is fine. Again, many fine goalies aren't skilled at playing the puck, no big deal), he just makes me nervous. I don't expect that to change as it's unlikely his style of play is going to change overnight. I will say that I am quite impressed that he did so well and am really proud of him. My only issue I've had is that I didn't want him coming in here and getting handed the #1 spot after Drew worked his ass off to earn that spot. They make a nice tandem, that's for sure. It's quite a luxury to have that kind of depth in net, no question.

Speaking of NHL debuts, Drayson Bowman played in his first game as a Carolina Hurricane last night in a loss (shocking) to the Atlanta Thrashers. I am a complete idiot and forgot to tape the game before I left. DUMB. My buddy Dave from Barry Melrose Rocks sent me this screen grab.


Canes Country:

Drayson Bowman had a decent debut as he finished with one shot on goal, two missed nets, and a really good hit while on the forecheck. Rod Brind`Amour set him up for a good chance in the second period, but he missed the net with his shot. After the game, the youngster said he was pretty happy with his performance. He said needs to make adjustments for the higher speed of the game and needs more experience playing at this level. When asked if his linemate and team captain had any words of wisdom for him, he chuckled as he replied, "Yeah, he said Samson had an assist on his very first NHL shift. No pressure or anything though."

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Meanwhile, back in Kennewick...

Boys played Winterhawks last night in just an outstanding game. Well executed, well played. It didn't hurt that Ian Curtis let in 3 goals on 6 shots either, but still. I don't care, AMS still woulda won, they played that well. Crisp, solid. Johnny Lazo had a hattrick, but his play was almost overshadowed by the game Mason Wilgosh had. Willy was a scratch Friday night, not sure if he got benched or what. If so, it worked. Mason always plays with a great work ethic, but last night holy shit. It was a whole new level of awesome.

Patrick Holland continued to be outstanding. I told the girls last night that if it was up to me, if I had a vote and if I was voting today, Holland would get my vote for Rookie of the Year. It'd be close between him and Drozd, no doubt, but I'd give Patrick the nod. That being said, Sergei had another great game as well, he works his tail off.

Speaking of votes, one of the front-runners for Unsung Hero in my book (there's many so my choice will probably be different tomorrow if you ask me) is Riley McIntosh. If not Unsung Hero then definitely Most Improved. He was finally recognized by getting 3rd star last night. Take that Riley "I'm gonna jump Riley McIntosh" Boychuk!

Random bit--those atomic jerseys weren't too bad, actually. I feared they'd be atrocious, but they looked pretty good. I mean, as far as atomic-themed jerseys can.

*sigh* I would love to include some post-game quotes from players, coaches, whomever. But here it is, quarter to noon, and there's not one shred of anything on the Herald's webpage. Fantastic.

So I'll leave you with this. I've included a lot of links today, I know y'all won't click on all of them, but click on this. Ass-pat to Ams1fan for writing it, very well said.