The talented forward prospect extended his AHL assist streak to six games after authoring the primary apple on Brett Leason's second-period power-play goal against the Providence Bruins.
Calum Ritchie is no longer just the New York Islanders' future - no longer a player fans pencil in as a major contributor in future years, he is rapidly becoming one of the most important pieces of their present. With each game, the 20-year-old center continues to carve out a larger role, and Friday night in Tampa may have been his most defining moment yet.
He brings spirit to your team. Team spirit is really important. I believe - I don't believe; I know it - that he brings that team spirit every game. He is a great teammate and a likeable guy. He is always chatting and talking. He brings a lot to the team outside of the ice. It is important. Locker rooms are very important in this game, and he impacts the ice with his work ethic and second and third efforts out there as a player.
Frank's first point of the night came on his first career power-play goal and his first goal of the season. Taking a pass from Alex Ovechkin as he skated into the slot, Frank ripped a shot past Sam Montembeault's glove, giving the Capitals a 2-1 lead 2:00 into the second period. "That first goal on the power play, that's a huge play," Caps head coach Spencer Carbery said postgame.
Plus: Despite not recording a point, Ryan Leonard stood out. The 20-year-old was buzzing all night with seven shots on goal, and a particularly excellent shift towards the end of the third where he led a flurry that ended with a Rasmus Sandin goal aided by his screen in front. For a team looking for a spark offensively, this was an encouraging sign.
Kings projected lineup Joel Armia - Anze Kopitar - Adrian KempeKevin Fiala - Quinton Byfield - Alex LaferriereAndrei Kuzmenko - Phillip Danault - Trevor MooreWarren Foegele - Alex Turcotte - Corey Perry Mikey Anderson - Drew DoughtyJoel Edmundson - Brandt ClarkeBrian Dumoulin - Cody Ceci Darcy KuemperAnton Forsberg Jacob Moverare, Samuel Helenius, Jeff Malott Status report Kuzmenko has moved onto the first power-play unit in place of Byfield, who will be on the second unit.
Cowboy did a lot with the puck, skated well through the neutral zone, made plays in the offensive zone, Berube said of Cowan. It looked like him and (Tavares) read off each other well, created some scoring opportunities. Cowan has the ability to make those little plays in tight, 5-foot plays. Cowan didn't appear to be phased by the opportunity and appears poised to make the most of his chance alongside the Maple Leafs' stars.
