MEET THE TIGRES

With game one of the Saint John Sea Dogs-Victoriaville Tigres semi-final series set to begin in just under 24 hours, it is time to get familiar with the visitors.

Station Nation presents a scouting report of several “game breakers” that wear the white and yellow for the Tigres.

THE GOALTENDER

Kevin Poulin
NHL: Drafted by New York Islanders in 2008
Reg. Season Stats: 35-16, 2.63 GAA, 0.916%
Fun Fact: Poulin is on pace to break Cory Crawford’s record for best GAA in the playoffs.

Ryan Kennedy, THN HOT LIST
A big netminder at 6-foot-2, 210 pounds, Poulin has been rock-solid in net for the surging Tigres, who take on Saint John in one ‘Q’ semifinal. The Montreal native has posted excellent stats in the playoffs, including a 1.86 goals-against average and devilish .943 save percentage, both tops among starters in the league.

POULIN NAMED CHL GOALTENDER OF THE WEEK

THE FORWARDS

Brandon Hynes
NHL: Not Yet Drafted
Reg. Season Stats: 68GP-41G-34A-75Pts
Fun Fact: Was drafted third overall by the Tigres in the 2008 QMJHL entry draft.

Hynes misses most of second-round playoff series with injury, THE WESTERN STAR
He played the opening game of the second-round series versus the Quebec Remparts, but only managed about half a period in Game 2 before being forced to leave with a lower-body injury, damage Hynes says occurred during Game 3 of the first round.

“If I was healthy I probably could’ve took the ball and ran with it, the opportunity was there,” Hynes said. “It’s just an aggravating injury that’s got to be fully recovered. I think I should be 100 per cent by Monday ... I skated two days ago, but I decided I still wasn’t ready, there’s still discomfort and pain when I tried to skate.”

Andrej Nestrasil
NHL: Drafted by Detroit Red Wings in 2009
Reg. Season Stats: 50GP-16G-35A-51Pts
Fun Fact: Was taken eighth overall by the Tigres in the 2008 CHL Import Draft.

Scouts Comments, RED WINGS CENTRAL
"He's willing to pay the price every shift and he's ready to battle every shift. He's a big body, he throws his body around, he never refuses physical contact and he's always engaged ... He's not a guy you look at and say, 'He's going to be a third- or fourth-line guy in the NHL.' He's got more skill than that. If he keeps improving his skating, he could be a good offensive player in the NHL." — Victoriaville Tigres head coach Yanick Jean (June 2009) ... "He likes to take the puck to the net. He protects the puck well in the corners and he's got the hands to do it. He's got good size and he's just a good hockey player." — Red Wings assistant general manager Jim Nill (June 2009).

Weaknesses, RED WINGS CENTRAL
Needs to pick up his skating speed and one-step quickness a few strides to be an NHLer, but will be a high-end prospect if he does ... Better speed would put more power behind his hits.

Tomas Kubalik
NHL: Drafted by Columbus Blue Jackets in 2008
Reg. Season Stats: 58GP-33G-42A-75Pts
Fun Fact: Played last season in the Czech Republic.


Talent Analysis, HOCKEY’S FUTURE
Kubalik is a chippy forward, always in the middle of scrums. He plays with a bit of an edge, but also brings skill. He is not afraid to go to the net and score dirty goals. Kubalik must continue to work on his skating. He owns a good shot. He needs to continue to develop his physical game, and must increase his strength to compete with bigger stronger players.

Joel Champagne
NHL: Drafted by Toronto Maple Leafs in 2008
Reg. Season Stats: 65GP-38G-41A-79Pts
Fun Fact: Has played for three different teams in his four year career.

Carl Peelash, PENSION PLAN PUPPETS
Champagne's play this season continues to make me think he's a diamond in the rough. His 11 points in 10 games are respectable, but not the extent of what he brings to the table. 4 of his 6 goals came on the powerplay, and based on his size, it's fair to say they came from posting up in front of the net or working the puck down low. His faceoff skills continue to impress, as he's won 58% of his Q-leading 293 draws taken. The Tigres will likely meet Saint John next round.
YOUTUBE
Toronto Maple Leaf prospect Joel Champagne of the PEI Rocket with an impressive 4 goal, 3 assist performance against the Halifax Moosheads of the QMJHL earlier this year.

Chris Doyle
NHL: Drafted by New York Rangers in 2008
Reg. Season Stats: 63GP-25G-44A-69Pts
Fun Fact: A native of Charlottetown, Doyle spent the last three-in-a-half seasons with the PEI Rocket.

Talent Analysis, HOCKEY’S FUTURE
Doyle has great offensive talent, with a pro shot. An average skater with questionable work habits, Doyle needs to improve his conditioning to be successful at the next level.

Doyle’s Legal Adventure, CBC PEI

DEFENSE

Joel Chouinard
NHL: Drafted by Colorado Avalanche in 2008
Reg. Season Stats: 65GP-23G-45A-68Pts
Fun Fact: Was a candidate for the Marcel Robert Trophy (top scholastic player).

Chouinard ranked 10th in Avalanche system, HOCKEY’S FUTURE
Add Joel Chouinard to an already lengthy list of offensively-talented defensive prospects in the Avalanche’s system. Chouinard has nearly doubled his output from his draft year, putting up 21 goals and 45 assists through 63 games in 2009-10. He’s adept offensively as a shooter and a passer, but has admitted that he would like to work on his defensive game.

With a logjam of talent along the blueline, Chouinard may have to spend a couple years in Lake Erie before the Avalanche can make room for him, or perhaps trade him for pieces that they can use.

Samuel Groulx
NHL: Drafted by San Jose Sharks in 2008
Reg. Season Stats: 66GP-14G-29A-43Pts
Fun Fact: Was named to the all-rookie team in 2008

Groulx ranked 13th in Sharks system, HOCKEY'S FUTURE
Groulx is a shut-down defenseman who has found a bit of offensive upside this season. The 19-year-old has 14 goals in 61 games between the Quebec Remparts and Victoriaville Tigres. His 39 points have eclipsed the 21 points he scored in just 61 games last season. Before this season, Groulx was known for his smart play and shut-down defense. Fourteen goals prove that he has been working on his offensive game in his fourth season in the QMJHL. Groulx plays a similar game to Marc-Eduord Vlasic which is a quiet and steady approach.

Groulx needs to be signed by June 1 and should his professional career with the Worcester Sharks.