ST. JOHN’S, Newfoundland and Labrador – Steve Yzerman has a lot of reasons for enjoying the playoff run of the Norfolk Admirals.
As vice president and general manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Admirals’ NHL affiliate, Yzerman has a vested interest in the development of his organization’s prospects in Norfolk. He has taken in several of the Admirals’ playoff games during their march to the Calder Cup final, using the postseason contests to measure the players’ growth, dedication and ability to compete at a high level night after night during a long playoff run.
Yzerman was in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador for games three and four of the AHL Eastern Conference final between the hometown IceCaps and the Admirals and spoke highly of the way both teams played.
Obviously, he was pleased with the result of the series, but he was also happy that his organization’s young players simply have the opportunity to take part in a learning experience as significant as the Calder Cup playoffs.
“It’s a great opportunity for our prospects. Every game they play, every round they advance, they’re learning and they’re developing as players,” said Yzerman. “Any time you have a chance to play deep into the playoffs, play for a championship, it’s a benefit. You learn what it takes to win by being in these situations and that’s an experience you can’t get any other way.”
Yzerman said there are a number of ways for AHL prospects to impress management from their parent club. In addition to posting impressive numbers on the stat sheet, he looks for players who do the little things necessary to help their team win in the intense environment provided by a lengthy postseason march.
Paying strict attention to detail, remaining loyal to the team’s system, sacrificing personal statistics for the good of the team and finding a way to contribute every game during what can be a grueling and lengthy postseason are attributes Yzerman displayed during his playing days with the Detroit Red Wings and are characteristics he looks for now in the Lightning’s prospects.
“All of these guys want to be members of the Tampa Bay Lightning some day. Taking part in a playoff run like this is a way to show us what they can do in pressure situations and gives us an indication of how badly they want to win,” Yzerman said.
Throughout the Calder Cup playoffs, the Admirals have benefitted from outstanding performances from a number of Tampa Bay prospects. Goaltender Dustin Tokarski allowed only two goals in four games during the series with St. John’s, while defenseman Mark Barberio has routinely flashed the skill and on-ice IQ that has him in contention for a spot on the Lighting blue line next season.
But in addition to the contributions from the Admirals’ players, Yzerman also praised the work of the team’s management and coaching staff. Much like the Lightning prospects playing in Norfolk, the AHL team’s management and coaches are also looking to prove themselves during the 2011-12 playoffs.
“Julien BriesBois (assistant GM to Yzerman in Tampa) is the general manager of the Admirals and Jon Cooper is the head coach. I think they’ve both done a great job making sure we get the most out of each player every night,” said Yzerman. “They deserve credit for aiding the players’ development and putting them in a position to win and grow as prospects.”
Yzerman watched from the press box at Mile One Centre as the Admirals completed their sweep of the IceCaps in the Eastern Conference final. It was his first trip to St. John’s for an AHL game and the experience left him impressed with the level of enthusiasm the city has for professional hockey.
In particular, he was pleased by the way the sold out crowd sent the IceCaps off with a round of applause typically reserved for a championship team, not one that had just been swept in the conference final.
“I am really impressed by what I saw in St. John’s,” said Yzerman. “I hadn’t been here for a game before and wasn’t sure what to expect. The atmosphere was outstanding and the fan support was great. The standing ovation in the last few minutes was an indication of how much support there is for the team.”
Norfolk currently holds a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven Calder Cup final versus the Toronto Marlies. Game three will be played on Thursday, June 7 at the Ricoh Coliseum in Toronto.
Contact Darcy.MacRae@prohockeynews.com
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