| Igor Chernyshov | MHK Dynamo Moskva | MHL | R | LW | 6’2″ | 189 | Penza, RUS | 2005 | 2023-2024: B |
Game Grade: C+
Comments: We were really unimpressed by Chernyshov’s game tonight. He was moving very slowly and it caused him to be ineffective in nearly all situations. He attempted to rush the puck multiple times but was not quick enough to beat his man outside with speed. He attempted to pull off through the leg moves and toe drags around defenders 1v1 but his pace was so slow that the defender had no problem shutting him down or poking the puck away. His passing was not as good as usual tonight either. He threw the puck away without much thought multiple times resulting in turnovers. He also was moving the puck with very little power behind his passes. They often barely got to the target or missed a moving teammate due to their speed. We did like his effort in a few board battles where he worked hard to protect the puck for as long as he could under pressure from multiple opponents. He finished the game with 1 goal where he crashed the net and finished his own rebound. We were a big fans of Chernyshov in our limited viewings of him last year but so far we have not been impressed with his games this season. He has to pick up the pace more consistently and drive play with the skill we have seen on display in the past.
| Yegor Surin | Lokomotiv Yaroslavl | KHL | L | C | 6’1″ | 176 | Voronezh, RUS | 2006 | 2023-2024: B+ |
Game Grade: B
Comments: Surin’s performance today was not as impressive as our previous viewings but he was able to show off some skill in what was a rough game by his standards. He looked a bit slow tonight moving at a lower pace than normal, causing him to be less effective carrying the puck. He showed off a couple of slick dekes to avoid pressure but was inconsistent and had many turnovers when attempting to force the puck into congested areas. His decision making when moving the puck was off as well. He rushed passes and missed targets many times. He forced passes and shots through lanes with defenders ready to deflect the puck. One thing that he needs to work on a lot over his next few seasons is using his cuts and stick handles more efficiently. Right now he is cutting into whatever space is available then throwing the puck away. If he can move the puck in ways that open up lanes or move into quality space, he will be able to get many more shots and passes on target and create more offense. With a little patience and knowledge of lane creation, he could create lots of chances using his skill and speed. On the other hand, he did bring the same physicality we have been very happy with over the course of this season. He finished checks hard and closed off opponents using his body. We also liked the way that he cut into open space immediately after making a pass. He either set up in front of the net for tip opportunities or moved to an area where his teammate could use him as a pass option or give and go. This was not his best showing but we still think there is a professional player here. If he can improve his IQ, decision making, and play with more patience, he has the potential to become an impactful professional player.
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