SERGEY TOLCHINSKY
Morris has been up front with Tolchinsky’s struggles adjusting to the pro game early on this season, but the young rookie has seemingly taken a big step with his play as of late.Tolchinsky kicked off his rookie year on a high note, roaring out of the gates with at least one point in each of his first four contests. His production then fell off, however, as he was able to muster up only four points in his next 25 games, leading to frustration and a dip in playing time.
But Tolchinsky has rebounded nicely, erupting for five points in his last three games, including a goal in each contest. So what sparked that spike in production?
“We’re seeing elements of more systematic play,” said Morris. “He’s learning to play more of a team game and he’s noticeably more impactful. He’s shown improvement in those areas.”
Anyone who has seen highlights of the young Russian from junior or training camp is well aware of the talent he possesses in handling the puck. He was able to use those skills seemingly effortlessly up to this point in his career to create those scoring chances, but they haven’t quite translated when going up against the more experienced, mature players in the AHL. Learning to not lean on that aspect of his game has been a key to his reemergence.
“He’s starting to shoot the puck more rather than trying to stickhandle through people,” said Morris. “He’s also starting to be more willing to accept the idea that he has to give the puck up and dump it in every once in a while or chip it in.”
Morris was perhaps most critical earlier this season of Tolchinsky’s need to become a more rounded player, one who can help the team in all aspects of the game. The rookie is making progress there and is earning himself more ice time by doing so.
“He uses his energy to forecheck and backcheck efficiently,” said Morris. “He’s starting to buy into playing a 200-foot game and starting to understand the value of becoming a better defender.”
The next stretch of games will be big for Tolchinsky, as they will shed light as to whether this hot streak is a flash in the pan or the product of his talents adjusting to the pro game. He seems to have found some chemistry on the top line alongside point-producing machine Derek Ryan. With Brock McGinn back in Carolina for the time being, the door is open for Tolchinsky to fill that void and pair with Ryan to help the Checkers rack up points.
DANIEL ALTSHULLER
Arguably the biggest story over the course of this stretch has been the emergence of Daniel Altshuller as a viable option between the pipes. A second-year pro who spent the entirety of his rookie campaign in the ECHL, Altshuller joined the Checkers in the middle of December for a pre-planned stint in preparation for his replacing Drew MacIntyre when the veteran went to represent Canada at the Spengler Cup.The 21-year-old, who had been lighting up the ECHL as the league’s goals against and save percentage leader, was quickly thrown into game action, backing up one game before making his AHL debut against the Iowa Wild on Dec. 17. Altshuller impressed, making 24 stops and earning his first AHL win. His performance impressed so much, in fact, that Morris kept returning to the hot hand, tapping Altshuller for the next four starts as well, where he continued to shine.
“Honestly I didn’t know what to expect,” said Morris. “It’s been inspiring for everybody to see him on top of his game. He picked up where he left in regards to how well he was playing for Florida and he’s been able to translate that to the American league.”
Listed at 6-foot-4, Altshuller is a commanding presence between the pipes. The young netminder has exuded poise and confidence in the crease, something that has emanated out and helped the team as a whole.
“At key times when we get a little scrambly, he has the sense to know when to cover things up and allow us to regroup,” said Morris. “It’s helped calm things down.”
While you could argue that he hasn’t gone up against the toughest competition so far (Iowa, Lake Erie and Ontario all rank in the bottom third of the league in goals per game, while San Jose is in the bottom half), Altshuller has stood tall when called upon and is as critical a piece of this point streak as there is.
“Obviously he’s having some success,” said Morris. “He’s got a good glove hand and he can play the puck well.”
His play has also created a decision that has to be made as to how the Checkers will proceed with their goalie situation. The Spengler Cup has concluded, but MacIntyre suffered an injury that has sidelined him for an undisclosed amount of time, forcing the Checkers to continue to roll with the duo of Alsthuller and Rasmus Tirronen for the time being.
Tirronen has spent nearly all of the season thus far alongside MacIntyre with the Checkers. After a quick ECHL stint before MacIntyre’s departure, Tirronen hasn’t seen much action, but was stellar when called upon. In his one start during the team’s point streak, the rookie shined with 35 stops against the powerhouse Ontario Reign, earning the win despite only getting 14 shots by his team. Morris had no timetable for MacIntyre’s return to game action and won’t until the team returns to Charlotte, but once the veteran is ready to go, a decision will have to be made between the two young netminders. But if Altshuller continues to play the way he has through the first six games of his AHL career, he may make the choice easier.
“We’ll play it by ear,” said Morris. “Obviously you have to concern yourself with everybody in that regard, but you’re also trying to develop people as well. We do our best to reward them when they’re playing well. A lot of guys favor playing the hot hand and when they have it, you want to make sure you make the most of it.”
ZACH BOYCHUK
It may seem like a strange thing for the franchise’s all-time scoring leader, but Zach Boychuk may have found a nice fit on the Checkers’ fourth line this season.Boychuk endured the longest goalless streak of his career to start this season, not scoring his first goal until the 17th game. His offensive well has continued to run dry, with his 16 points marking the lowest through 32 games in his career, though he has began to emerge more as a playmaker, currently tied for third on the team in assists.
After being shuffled up and down the lineup, Boychuk has settled in on the fourth line, where he has helped create a spark alongside center David Wohlberg. “He’s brought energy to that line,” said Morris. “It elevates his linemates when he’s bringing that energy and enthusiasm.”
The move has helped Boychuk tap into a more rounded style of play, something that helped him make more of an impact.
Boychuk’s offensive talents are obviously still in abundance, and he has meshed nicely with Wohlberg, who possesses a good amount of skill as well. On top of that, Boychuk has remained a key part of one of the Checkers’ power-play units, including potting the eventual game-winner in the team’s most recent victory over Ontario.
With his natural offensive prowess and energy, Boychuk’s stint on the fourth line could be beneficial in growing him as an all-around player and the key to kickstarting his production.
“We know that he has a history of being able to finish,” said Morris. “But he’s also been more inclined to finish checks and play less of a poke-and-go game. I think that makes him a more complete player.”
