Georgetown Millers The Week That Was Aug.21 to Aug. 27

Lance Pitlick 

Georgetown Millers

The Week That Was Aug.21 to Aug. 27

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 Dropped Alexei Marchenko and Peter Holland.

A slow week as far as roster moves were concerned. Marchenko became expendable with the signings of Chiarot and Barberio. Once looked upon as a solid 3rd pairing Dman, things never quite worked out for the Russian blueliner. Despite spending 3 years with the Millers he never appeared in a regular season game. Holland was acquired earlier this summer in the Marc-Andre Fleury salary dump. He failed to impress in the final 2 pre-season games and it was determined he lacked the upside to be kept on the roster during the regular season.

Observations from the Pre-Season:

The biggest surprise was Peter Budaj’s strong performance in net, and James Reimer’s likewise poor showings, playing behind almost identical lineups. Budaj was acquired with the idea of playing 30 games during the season; he may see more work if Reimer’s struggles continue into the opening weeks of the new season.

Andrew Cogliano secured himself a spot on the 2nd line with his strong play (and Teuvo Teravainen’s lackluster results). A UFA at season’s end, Cogliano will be looked at to provide secondary scoring in the 45 to 50 point range along with his usual strong defense and penalty killing.

Speaking of UFAs, Cogliano, Nick Backstrom, Jeff Carter and the retiring Mike FIsher are all in the last year of their contracts. A slow start may force management to see what they can get for these players instead of building around them for a last hurrah.

It’s been determined that Fisher will not play on back to back nights, with Radek Faksa expected to move up to the 3rd line when he rests. The 4th line Center slot would then be filled by usual 3rd line winger Zach Smith. Fisher has also decided to relinquish the Captaincy to Roman Josi. Fisher will now be an alternate, along with Backstrom and David Savard.

Scott Wilson and Viktor Stalberg are expected to rotate as the 4th line RW and 13th forward. Despite his strong pre-season Mikhail Grigorenko will begin the season in the minors, along with the now healthy Scott Cousins. Ben Chiarot won the 7th Dman spot, with Mark Barberio playing top line minutes with AHL Northern Kentucky. The Chinstraps will also include Lance Pitlick and Bryan Flynn among their forwards and Anton Khudobin in goal.