Let’s face it, Alexey Marchenko is basically auditioning for the Detroit Red Wings and so far, he appears to be passing the exam.
“I thought he was maybe our best Dman in the (Pittsburgh) game,… Detroit coach Mike Babcock said. “In the second half of (that) game he really executed with the puck and was getting his confidence.
“We played him with (Niklas) Kronwall lots in the toughest matchups just so we could watch him because you don’t really know him yourself until you coach him and we thought he was excellent.…
Recalled from AHL Grand Rapids five games ago to give Detroit a right-hand shooting presence among their six regular defenders, Marchenko, 23, is with the Wings on a twofold trial basis.
Firstly he’s seeking to show to the powers-that-be that he is an NHL-ready defender. Secondly, he’s also being checked out to determine if he can fill that right-handed void on Detroit’s back end or does the team need to seek help from elsewhere via trade.
So far so good for the 6-3, 210-pound rookie from Moscow.
“I think I’ve seen he’s been able to take what he’s done in the American Hockey League and translate it to the NHL,… Detroit GM Ken Holland said. “He’s got good hockey sense. He knows how to take away space. He can make little quick passes and he seems to be a good defender.…
Holland also liked what he saw from Marchenko when they asked him to defend against the likes of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin when Detroit was in Pittsburgh last week.
“The other night he’s on the ice against a team that has Crosby, Malkin, (Brandon) Sutter, (Kris) Letang, that’s a high octane hockey team he was out against,… Holland said. “I thought he played very well.…
Skating alongside Marchenko for the second half of the Penguins game, Kronwall was equally impressed with Marchenko’s skill and confidence levels.
“I think he’s very calm on the puck,… Kronwall said. “He’s really strong defensively and he seems to be making the right plays. He doesn’t throw the puck away. He wants to play. He fits right in. He brings size and a right-handed shot. He’s making some good plays for us. He’s been very good for us.
“I think he’s been really good every game. I think he’s been doing great. We’re happy to have him.…
Holland is of the opinion that Marchenko’s evolution displays further proof that Detroit’s patient approach with prospects is a method that delivers results.
“I think it’s a comfort level with the pace of the game. It’s the reason why when we talk about those kids that have impressive stats when leaving juniors and then it’s a massive jump to go to the American Hockey League.
“The odd one can bypass the American League and go to the National Hockey League. Most of them need an adjustment. It’s quicker. They’re bigger, stronger, faster, they’re better positioned. I think the jump from the American League to the National League is a smaller jump than it is from juniors or college to the American League.…
With each passing game, Marchenko is feeling more like he is where he belongs.
“It’s getting better and better,… Marchenko said. “For sure you feel like your pace is getting quicker, the game is getting quicker, because everyone is pushing you in the practice.
“It feels like you have more time there (AHL). But the more you play here, the game is getting more comfortable for you, so maybe you have an extra half-second to make a decision.
“Every game you’re getting maybe a little quicker.…
Babcock certainly likes what he’s seen from the rookie.
“He’s got himself in a situation playing with (Brendan) Smith where we should have a real good third pair,… Babcock said. “There shouldn’t be a whole lot of falloff.
“Ideally we’re going to watch that, we’re going to see him play over a while here and figure it out.…
As to their long-term plans, the Wings admit that nothing is written in stone. They already know that defenseman Xavier Ouellet, who was 2-1-3 and plus-four in 21 games with Detroit earlier in the season, is NHL ready.
With every game, they are getting closer to making that determination regarding Marchenko.
“I think he’s probably here for a little bit,… Holland said of Marchenko. “I don’t know what a little bit is. I think Marchenko is in a good place. I think Ouellet’s in a good place.
“Again, I’m not a big believer in player development of shuttling 21 and 22 year-olds up and down and up and down and up and down. I just think we play with their head. “We’ve had Ouellet up here a couple times. He’s done a nice job. He’s in a good place.
“I think Marchenko’s played well here in the early going.…
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