Reading Royals Review, April 6 – 12

The Royals Review

(Apr. 6-12)

READING, Pa. – Here are some notes of interest concerning players with Leafs/Marlies connections playing in the ECHL. The Reading Royals defeated Kalamazoo three games to two in the opening round of the playoffs, and currently hold a 2-0 lead over Florida in the best-of-seven American Conference Semifinal (all stats for first round only).

Alex Berry – Seeing sporadic duty, mostly on third line. Taking some penalty killing shifts. Has shown a fairly good ability to use his size and hold on to the puck. His goal in the deciding game of the Kalamazoo playoff series came from a difficult angle and tied the game for Reading. The Royals never trailed again.

Stefano Giliati – Was named first star for his two-goal performance in game three. Playing left wing on team’s first line. Also seeing plenty of power-play time. Forced Kalamazoo to pay plenty of attention to him. In the conservative, close-checking playoff-game atmosphere he handled his defensive responsibilities quite well while almost always looking for breakout/breakaway opportunities.

Ben Gordon – Was named third star in game 4. In the last two games of the Kalamazoo. His ability is confirmed by the fact that he had at least an assist in all five games against Kalamazoo. He always is looking for the right pass to make when he has the puck in the attacking zone. And he often makes it.

Todd Perry – He’s not in the lineup for his offensive skills — he’s been playing the role of the classic stay-at-home defender. He doesn’t hesitate to make the big hit if it comes his way and he generally does a nice job of letting the play to him. Ice time usually limited to short-handed and even-strength situations. .

Joey Ryan – Seeing his first action in several weeks, he looked right at home in the
deciding game against Kalamazoo. He even got some power play time. He kept his game very simple and his positioning was solid most of the game.

Greg Scott – He didn’t dress in the deciding game against the Wings but since it would have been his sixth game in seven nights, in four cities with two teams, he probably needed a break. Don’t be surprised to see him back in action in the next round.

Andrew Engelage – After numerous call-ups, he’ll be with Reading the rest of the way. But he’s not likely to see much action unless Matt Dalton runs into serious problems.