Georgii Merkulov can rating objectives. That a lot we all know.
The 23-year-old Russian centerman demonstrated that in his one season at Ohio State and in Providence the final two seasons. And it’s a trait the Boston Bruins can actually use, contemplating their paltry output recently at 5-on-5 scoring.
But Merkulov, formally known as up by the B’s on Friday forward of Saturday’s Garden tilt towards the New Jersey Devils, wanted to make enhancements to his total sport earlier than he was thought of a respectable candidate for NHL responsibility.
Whether or not that work is finished stays to be seen, however he’s performed nicely sufficient that the B’s couldn’t maintain him down on the farm any longer with out having a look at him. That reality, coupled with the necessity for extra scoring in Boston contributed to what’s an fascinating NHL debut on Saturday.
“It’s probably a combination of those both,” stated coach Jim Montgomery. “We want to score. But we don’t want to score more by sacrificing our team defense and that message has been made clear to Merk. The reason he got called up is because of his 200-foot game, not because he’s scoring a lot. Because on our team we have guys that are paid a lot of money to score goals and he’s got to come and support that and be part of what we’re trying to build as a team. But it’s exciting for him because he gets the opportunity to play his first NHL game (Saturday) night. That’s exciting. And that’s good energy to bring to the group as well.”
The Bruins signed Merkulov, who’d come over from his native Ryazan, Russia to play for the Youngstown Phantoms of the USHL for 2 years, as an undrafted free agent after one 12 months at OSU when he was a teammate of Mason Lohrei. After posting 24-31-55 totals in 67 video games final 12 months in Providence, he’s acquired 14-16-30 totals in 31 video games there this season.
After getting the phrase from Providence coach Ryan Mougenel on Thursday morning earlier than the group’s follow in Utica, he known as his girlfriend after which his mother and father again dwelling in Russia.
“Yeah, I probably should have called my parents (first),” he stated with a sheepish smile.
His mother and father had already deliberate a visit to the US in mid-January they usually received’t have the ability to make the journey from Russia on such brief discover. His mom and sister, who’s in medical faculty, visited him right here final summer season however he hasn’t seen his father in a few years. His father’s message over the telephone?
“My Dad told me to just play every game like it’s my last game and just enjoy it,” stated Merkulov.
Merkulov conceded he began slowly in camp, which is identical assessment Montgomery gave for his September efficiency, however believes his total sport is in a great place.
“I feel confident about my game,” stated Merkulov. “In the summer, you don’t play for four months and it’s training camp and there are NHL players here, so it’s hard. But since we’ve been playing for three months now, I feel good about my game and I’ll try to do my best to make it translate to the NHL.”
Lohrei stated Merkulov’s all-around sport has improved noticeably.
“He’s taken a lot of pride in learning that and he knows that that’s his ticket to be here and make a long career in the NHL,” stated Lohrei. “He focused on that and I can only see him getting better.”
Merkulov credited his Providence linemates, Jesper Boqvist and Justin Brazeau, in addition to the teaching workers for serving to him keep his sport whereas awaiting the decision.
“I talked to the coaches down there and they helped me a lot, just communicating and keeping me focused,” stated Merkulov. “They told me every game, just play your game, work hard and stay consistent with your details…I just stuck with what I was doing and I got a shot.”
On Friday,. he practiced on a 3rd line with wings Trent Frederic and James van Riemsdyk.
“I remember JVR when I was a kid when. I was like six years old and it’s cool to be with him on a line. He was talking to me all practice, so it was exciting,” stated Merkulov.
Lohrei stated he grew to become tight with the serious-minded Merkulov whereas in Columbus. He’s thrilled to have the ability to expertise this with him.
“Obviously at first he’s a little closed off, but I got to know him really well from being together at school and we’re close friends,” stated Lohrei. “He loves to joke around and have fun, too, but obviously he’s focused and really determined. And just like anybody, it’s his dream to play in the NHL.”
It’s a dream that may come true on Saturday evening….
With Merkulov on board, that bumped Danton Heinen right down to the fourth line with John Beecher and Jakub Lauko
“Maybe he doesn’t deserve to be on the fourth line, but that’s what I’m asking of him, and (for him) to relish that role and help us have four lines that are going to be able to play against New Jersey (Saturday),” stated Montgomery, including Heinen wouldn’t harm the unit’s offensive capabilities.
“I think about his last game as a fourth liner was the game in Dallas when that line scored two goals. So there is that possibility but their role is to build momentum and to build the team game, a possession game in the offensive zone.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com