Subject: Finding Alex Tuch The Right Linemates Crucial For Golden Knights
Author: Angel92
Posted on: 11/21/2017 07:33:23 AM
When the Expansion Draft ended there http://www.officialblackhawkssale.com/patrick-sharp-jersey-c-1_6.html was a lot to look at. There were well-known veteran names, there were up-and-coming goal scorers, there were puck-moving defensemen, and there was a heaping pile of bonus draft picks.
Then there was Alex Tuch.
One of just two players the Golden Knights gave up an asset to acquire (the other was Reilly Smith), and a prospect that was unlike anything else in the Golden Knights system. A big strong forward with good speed and an innate ability to put the puck in the net. Oh, and hes 21-years-old, an age that was difficult for the Golden Knights to find players due to the expansion draft rules.
Despite not participating in any previous NHL Entry Drafts, Alex Tuch became a Golden Knights first round pick. Having given up a pick and letting the Wild escape the Expansion Draft (didnt really work for Minnesota), George McPhee put a lot of stock in Tuch. Unlike Shea Theodore, who had just finished up dominating the NHL playoffs, Tuch was unproven at the NHL level. He was a true prospect, and he had/has to be good.
Showing his commitment, Tuch showed up to Development Camp, he came back early for Rookie Camp, and he was always one of the last guys on the ice during full Training Camp. He was putting in the work, his talent was showing, and he appeared to have a spot on the Golden Knights roster.
He didnt.
Due to what was called a numbers decision Tuch was sent to the AHL to begin the year. Four games later a pair of injuries opened the door and Tuch was ready to make his Golden Knights debut. In his first game, he scored and tallied an assist, and Vegas won. Since his recall, the Golden Knights have not lost a game at home.
But when the team went on the road, and Tuch wasnt playing nearly as well. There was a change in his line as Erik Haula was moved away and Cody Eakin came in with Tuch and Oscar Lindberg.
Recently, Brendan Leipsic was added http://www.officialblackhawksshop.com/duncan-keith-jersey-c-1_36.html to the line to replace Lindberg, and since, the results have been astounding.
Last night while playing together that line created 17 shot attempts while allowing just five. They were also on the ice together for two of the Golden Knights four goals. But more importantly than just the statistics, Leipsics addition to the line has brought back the Tuch we got used to in his first few appearances and the preseason.
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