Plekanec knows making it to NHL a long journey

[M. Beaux-Eaux]

By DAVID DICENZO

HAMILTON (CP) - It didn't take an NHL lockout for Tomas Plekanec to learn how long it takes to get to the big leagues.

Plekanec, 22, is now in his third season with the AHL's Hamilton Bulldogs. He admits he had it all wrong when he first arrived in North America.

"I didn't know how long it would take to get to the NHL," said Plekanec, the 71st overall pick in 2001 by the Montreal Canadiens. "I thought maybe I'm going to play on a farm team, play 20, 25 games good and get some luck.

"When I came here, I saw how tough it was to play here, especially as a rookie. You don't get much ice time, even if you play good. They want to develop you. After about 15 games, I saw it was tough and I just wanted to learn to play North American style hockey, which is totally different than in Europe.

"I didn't play the defensive side of the game, I was a very offensive player in Europe. I had to make myself a more complete player than I was."

- slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/AHL/2005/02/25/942441-cp.html

[HabbaDasher]

I'm really rooting for Plekanec to be among the next prospects get some NHL action when play resumes. He just keeps getting better, and out-performing bigger names in the system. If he keeps it up, he may lose his 'under-the-radar' status. Must be very gratifying for the scouting/coaching staff....

[M. Beaux-Eaux]

Yep, my three "Hot 'Dogs" in terms of NHL readiness would be Higgins, Plekanec and Danis (backup - unless Théodore sits out).

Other prospects ready to take NHL jobs for cheap? Alexander "The Hit Man" Perezhogin and Mark Streit (BC has made excellent posts outlining the Habs' rationale for drafting him).

[NWTHabsFan]

It is really hard not wanting to cheer for this guy. He works hard out there and seems to generate a lot of chances with his speed and skill. He and Higgins are really gelling out there and generating lots of good chances every gaem. In the last few games that I have been able to see I have also been really impressed with his play in his own end and he is quite a tenacious back checker and he works really well behind his own net. That must please guys like Jarvis and Julien, because it sure works for me. Not sure how the Habs would work him into the lineup as Koivu, Ribeiro, Bonk and Begin seem to have the 4 centre spots locked up. However, his really solid play will leave it pretty tough for the Habs' management to keep him back in Hamilton once play finally resumes.