Rakhshani Nets An Assist In His Pro Debut

(above) Rhett Rakhshani looks sharp in his AHL uni

Corey Elkins snapped a 1-1 tie late in the second period with his 20th goal of the season, while Rhett Rakhshani earned an assist in his Sound Tigers debut as the Manchester Monarchs defeated the Bridgeport Sound Tigers by a final score of 4-1 on Friday night at Verizon Wireless Arena.

Rakhshani, drafted by the New York Islanders in the 4th round of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, assisted on Brendan Witt’s 2nd goal of the season at 7:06 of the opening period to give the Sound Tigers an early 1-0 lead. The former University of Denver captain found Witt streaking through the slot and snapped a pass to the Sound Tiger defenseman where he ripped it past Manchester net-minder, J.F. Berube. Read Full Story

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

That's great for Rak. Hopefully he'll be a mainstay in the NHL in coming years. Does anyone know if seniors like Rak who leave early still recieve their degrees?

Anonymous said...

Woot!

(I believe Rak and Reugs and a few others of the seniors actually finished up at the end of the winter quarter and were done with their school work)

-- chase

Anonymous said...

How much of a jump is it to the AHL from NCAA?

dggoddard said...

AHL players are much bigger, more skilled and have better vision. Though the players are bigger and there is fighting, most AHL games are far less physical than a rivalry game in the WCHA. The players are pros and no one is really looking to pound anyone unnecessarily.

Rakshani usually looked to be one of the bigger players most weekends in Magness. In the AHL he is going to be the smallest player on the ice almost every game.

Skillwise Rakhshani isn't going to have any problem adjusting to the AHL. What will determine his chances in making the NHL is his ability to get around AHL defensemen that are all bigger, stronger and quicker than NCAA D-men.

The difference between NCAA & AHL is size, the difference between AHL & NHL is speed.

achsdu17 said...

I can't wait till he makes the Islanders... I want to own a Rakhshani jersey.

Anonymous said...

Give 'em hell Rhett!

puck swami said...

The speed jump of the AHL vs NCAA is similar to the jump from the USHL to the NCAA - significant. Good players have to read, react and make better decisions faster because of the game speed.

From the AHL to the NHL is another jump in game speed, and individual success is predicated on your ability to not only react to the speed of the game, but eventually to dictate it. In college, you see tape to tape passes occasionally, while in the NHL, almost every player can make tape to tape passes at speed. The NHL is far more precise.

Anonymous said...

Oh, indeed, Swami, after a season of watching NCAA hockey, it blows me away when I watch an NHL game, the passing is amazing, so crisp, I'm amazed that NHL goalies can stop any of those shots

-- chase

CO14ers said...

Joe Colborne also had a nice pro debut last night with two assists in his Providence Bruins win.

Frank said...

I'm sure Raks and Ruegs will be fine in the pros but where is Chelsea? I know this is not eharmony but Wow!!

Frank said...

Put Raks on the same line as Tavarev and Nielson and watch the +\- meter go through the roof for the Islanders.
Good luck man. You're a good one.

Frank said...

Apparently, we have 1 anonymous fan that has finally watched his/her first NHL game. Hello, the Avalanche are in Colorado and they could to seal up a playoff spot.

Chelsea said...

Hi Frank. I'm still here lol. Rhett is a fantastic person on and off the ice and I wish him the very best. Thank you for four great years.

Anonymous said...

Frank & Chelsea sitting in a tree...

Chelsea said...

Anon, no thanks lol.