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RaginCajun · 10-17-2019, 02:31 AM

(1,286 words with research, and chart made. Ready to grade.)
Alexei Rykov at 1 game past the halfway mark has already surpassed his point total from the entire last season. Alexei and the Kraken have had a rough start to the season, but the young Russian has continued to contribute and outpace his point totals dramatically from last season. Looking at the numbers we can begin to see how the current season and previous season stack up. Of the 26 games played so far in S50 Rykov has tapped in 10 goals which in comparison to his last season total of 12 is an impressive improvement from last season and look at an excellent end total. This is especially impressive as Rykov is no longer has the top billing at Carolina where the veterans of Morris and Gaspard helped to in what some of claimed helped inflate his numbers but already Rykov is showing that even on the solid Third and Second line of Carolina that he is able to produce.

Looking at assists is where Rykov has already outdone his previous season’s numbers with a total of 15 compared to last season’s 12. This leads to a total of 25 points putting Rykov one point ahead of his previous 24. Comparing +/- we see a much lower number that can lead to show that while playing on the dominate 1st line of the previous season with a large 11 +/- to his name in comparison to the current 4 that he has. Playing with the benefit of veterans of previous campaigns for Carolina shows that while the output is still solid it was not to the large levels inflated by the previous season that and one can chalk up the rough season that Carolina has had in the first part of the season to the lower numbers all around for the Kraken players. Penalty minutes also showed a dramatic increase where Rykov only had a mere 6 minutes last season he has already more than doubled with a total of 14 already in his 26 games played. Showing that Rykov has seemed to adopt to the North American style of play with a much more aggressive style of play in comparison to his much more conservative and skill-based play that is so dominate in his native Russia. To highlight this further when looking at his hit totals last season saw the young forward give out a total of 29 whereas already Rykov is at 22 just at the midseason point of his sophomore season in the SMJHL. Some more stats that show a shift to a much more balanced play is that last season Rykov blocked 7 shots and already Alexei has blocked 6 this season. Now for one of the major changes for Rykov is that his lack of production on the powerplay has been noticeable with his time during S49 Rykov managed to score 5 goals and 5 assists on the powerplay leading to a total of 10 points. This current season sees Rykov sitting 1 goal and 3 assists at a total of 4 points all of which were scored extremely early in the season and has since seen the young Russian drop completely off in productivity on the powerplay showing an odd shift once again in Rykov’s playstyle as he continues to try and find his niche in the North American game. Rykov though has managed to tie his 1 game winning goal from last season and has 1 game tying goal in comparison to his 2 last season. Rykov continues to bring and display the young brash attitude that made him a first round draft pick in the SHL and with his continued improvement on the ice it shows that he has the abilities he needs to continue and been a massive part of the forward corps for Carolina and a major boon for the Calgary Dragons who drafted him.

We decided to catch up with the young Russian forward in Charlotte, North Carolina. Alexei looked exhausted as he had just finished some drills and alongside fellow Calgary prospect Joseph Weston had just finished a grueling workout in the gym before finishing for the night. Rykov made mention of being hungry and we tagged along to meet him at the Midwood Smokehouse to help satisfy his new craving he had discovered in the United States, Carolina barbecue. Alexei had plopped down at the table and ordered ribs with the hushpuppies and a side of mac and cheese before he even asked if we were eating. Once Alexei had finally been served, he was willing to entertain questions.

Reporter: So, Alexei how are you finding the United States? Is it a culture shock from Montreal or even Russia?

Rykov: Oh, this is great. Are you sure you guys don’t want some ribs? Brisket? Pork? Come on you have to try at least a hushpuppy I thought it was dog at first, but damn is it good! You should get something to drink at least! But uhhh oh yeah it is good here. I enjoy the food a lot more it is very heavy, and I now understand how Americans can become fat. Honestly though it has been a good transition and I don’t think anything could be a rougher transition than the first year in the SMJHL.

Reporter: No, we really are fine with the food we ate already and feel bad enough crashing your dinner but sure we can grab some drinks and make it more relaxed. Anyways to the point it is been a rough season for the Kraken. How is it affecting you and how is it for morale in the locker room?

Rykov: Bad time on ice, means more time on ice. As far as I am concerned the more, we struggle the more time I will put in on the ice or in the gym. I will go and go until I can’t. To me losing is just a temporary setback if you let failure dictate terms for you then you give up the initiative. Never surrender always dig in. As for morale? I think everyone was expecting a smoother season, but it is what it is. I think everyone finds something to bond over or joke about it is a pretty relaxed place. At this point I think everyone is keeping their head down and putting in the work. I have full faith in management they led us to victory before they can do it again. We just must do our part.

Reporter: Do you think Carolina will make a strong playoff run this season?

Rykov: Impossible to say. I think so. Last year we were the underdogs and we took the cup. We are a tough team and if there is anything, I have learned from the Americans is that you can compensate skill disadvantage with a strong physical presence. Hit, and keep hitting till they break. It is a good way to play.

Reporter: What do you think about the next season do you see Carolina being hit with a lot of callups or do you think the proverbial band will stay together?

Rykov: This season isn’t even over yet and I am not Baba Yaga or witch lady I don’t know the future. Also, this band phrase is weird, but I do not foresee any real massive changes a couple here or there that will need to be called up or it is waivers. Otherwise I expect the same strong group I got drafted with. We will destroy everyone with classic Russian defense in depth as we will be stacked in almost every position.

Reporter: Any other words for us?

Rykov: In the words of my childhood hero cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, “Поехали!”

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