Role: Offensive-minded forward
Contract: Signed through 2012-13 (ELC)
Notables: 22 years old, 6-2, 189 lbs., Left handed shot
ECHL Season Stats: 40 games played, 24G, 33A, +17, 30 PIM
AHL Season Stats: 23 games played, 5G, 9A, +7, 4 PIM
AHL Playoff Stats: 11 games played, 2G, 0A, -2, 6 PIM
Despite playing only half a season with the ECHL's Wheeling Nailers, Petersen still finished as 23rd in the regular season scoring race. He was clearly a man among boys in Wheeling and was recalled for good at the beginning of February.
In his 3rd game in February he posted his first points, two assists, in a 4-0 win over the Albany Devils. A shoulder injury kept Petersen out of the next 12 games and when he returned it took him some time to adjust to his new home in the AHL.
Petersen came alive in April, posting four goals and six assists in six games, including a franchise record five assists in April 3rd's win over the Syracuse Crunch. He also finished the regular season with three goals in his last two games.
In the playoffs Petersen was relatively quiet, except for Game 5 of the first round against the Admirals. Petersen scored two first period power play goals in route to a 2-1 win and a 3-2 series lead to take back to Wilkes-Barre where the WBS Penguins would finish off the Admirals in Game 6.
All in all, a very successful rookie campaign for Petersen, leaving us wanting more from him in 2011-12. The recent signing of Nick Johnson could bump Petersen from the top line, but Petersen should enjoy a top-six role next season with the AHL's Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins. I believe he could be a 20-25 goal scorer next season if put in the right situations on the ice.
1 comments:
I love Peterson's game and see room to grow and continue to improve. I look forward to watching him next year in the AHL for a full season
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