Forward Ruslan Iskhakov has been named the Bridgeport Islanders representative at the upcoming AHL All-Star Classic. This is the second consecutive year the Moscow native has represented the Isles in the mid-season showcase.
Iskhakov’s Strong Season
Iskhakov is well deserving of the honor. He leads Bridgeport in goals with 12, assists with 17 and points with 29. He has four game-winning goals on a struggling team that has 10 wins all season and all four of them have come in overtime. The compact Russian also has eight points on the power play to lead the team and has recorded nine multi-point games thus far this season.
Right now, Iskhakov is on an eight-game point scoring streak which matches his career best. He has scored five goals and six assists during the streak.
He has accomplished all of this despite not getting a lot of help. Bridgeport is presently last in the AHL as a team in goals scored per game, yet the diminutive Russian continues to put points on the board. This is Iskhakov’s second season with Bridgeport, and he continues to mature and grow his all-around game.
Hard Work And Talent
Iskhakov is listed at 5’8” and just 170 pounds. He knows his size works against him in the eyes of some scouts.
“I’m on the smaller side, so I’ve got to be stronger,” Iskhakov said during training camp. “I put some extra work in the summer. I’m not 6-foot-5, but I’ve got to be quicker and more aggressive.”
Iskhakov is a good skater who has electrifying moves. He’s dangerous on breakaways and shootouts and can excite the fans with his talent. The key to the 23-year-old Russian taking his game to the next level will be becoming more of an all-around player.
Impressing the Boss
“If he’s going to play in the NHL, he is to make sure he’s reliable defensively, make sure he’s winning wall battles, but he certainly looks like he’s taken a step from last year,” said Bridgeport head coach Rick Kowalsky. “He’s on the right path. This year, his play off the puck and his transition to defense have been a lot better. Still, an area where he can continue to grow. Last year, he got off to a really good start because nobody really knew who he was. The difference this year is he’s certainly our top offensive-skilled forward, and he’s not catching anybody by surprise.”
Kowalsky likes what Iskhakov has accomplished despite all the attention he’s getting from opposing defenses who know he’s the Islanders number one scoring threat. “He’s getting keyed on every game, and I think he’s done a really good job,” Kowalsky added. “He has the ability to make plays and make things happen one-on-one. He’s willing to go to the hard areas in the corner and along the walls, which certainly is something he’s going to have to do if he gets a chance to play in the NHL.”
Right now, Iskhakov is looking to continue his productivity and to be more well-rounded and more consistent overall.
Meanwhile, he’s earned his second straight trip to the AHL All-Star Classic which will take place in San Jose on February 4th and 5th.
