[Sandman]

RW Prokhor Poltapov, 5'11"174lbs (Krasniya Armiya Moskva,MHL): 25g/27a/52pts, 30PIM in 61 games-1st on the team, 12th in the league. His big coming out party was the U-18's, scoring 7pts in 7 games, and showing up on many a highlight reel for his breakaways, solo efforts deking out D-men, and Datsukian stickhandling moves. Many have mentioned that he would have had better numbers in Russia if he didn't struggle early on in the season-he was trying to do too much himself, and making too many errors and turnovers.

Despite his size, he plays a power-forward style that I must say, is very fun to watch. I wasn't impressed with him when I watched the Russians play in the U-18's-didn't like his skating, turnovers, or apparent selfishness, but the film I'm watching tonight is pretty enlightening. He's very physical, and he'll go around, or through, an opponent. The footage I watched tonight contained quite a few plays of Poltapov pursuing a loose puck into the corner, or behind the net, and absolutely bowling over his opponent. He obviously has a strong upper body, a high motor, and will battle in any of the greasy areas. He plays with a ton of confidence, and wants the puck on his stick-he's not afraid of pressure when unleashing his vast arsenal of 1-on-1 moves, or whipping a wicked wrister. Stickhandling is a forte, and his dekes, and toe drags make him very unpredictable to defend. He's smart and skilled under duress, and defenders in Russia are always aware of his presence. When not hounding the puck, he's scanning for open ice.

Polt has a more developed two-way game than most of his Russian contemporaries. Uses his positioning, smarts, and physicality to disrupt the attack. Has excellent reach for the poke check. Can back defenses up coming back the other way through transtion, likes to carry the puck through the neutral zone with speed. He can stickhandle in a phone booth (no kidding!), in traffic, the net-front, and is an excellent playmaker. Quick release, with a good shot, and just creates opportunity after opportunity.

I've seen his skating described as "explosive", but that's sadly not the truth-watch him and tell me I'm wrong. His mechanics look ok, a bit choppy, and he has good edges to turn, and change direction quickly, plus-he can shift gears instantaneously. Pretty solid on his skates, and hard to knock of the puck. Every other aspect needs work-his first-step, top speed, and acceleration on the forecheck. Despite his shortcomings, he still manages to push pace, and drive play.

One article I read compared him to Blake Coleman-they are roughly the same size, and play a feisty power forward game. This kid easily has first-round talent, and may indeed be taken in the late stages of that round, but his skating might push him into the second.