Graphic: Avangard/MHL
It had been a fairly quiet postseason so far for the Capitals latest first round draft pick. Ivan Miroshnichenko had no goals and just three assists in Omskie Yastreby (MHL – Juniors) first round series against Siberskie Snaipery, and no points after one game in their second round series against Tolpar.
But like the end to so many scoring droughts, it was a bit of luck that kickstarted Miroshnichenko’s postseason goal-scoring on Thursday. He would fire a shot from the left side that bounced off an opposing player and in the net.
Ivan Miroshnichenko with his first postseason goal in MHL action. #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/pBR0x94Nbe
— Capitals Prospects (@jon_m_sorensen) March 23, 2023
Miroshnichenko has started all postseason games at left wing on the second line for Omskie Yastreby.
Ivan Miroshnichenko handing out face bumps in the victory fist bump line. 👊😁 #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/7B2puNEina
— Capitals Prospects (@jon_m_sorensen) March 11, 2023
Miroshnichenko was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in February, 2021, but was cleared by doctors to return to skating and workouts after successfully completing a course of treatment in Germany back in June of 2021.
Miroshnichenko returned to workouts with Avangsrd’s MHL club on October 21. He was cleared to return to game action on November 8.
Miroshnichenko played six games with the MHL team (i.e. Russian Junior League). In those six games, he tallied six goals and recorded two assists.
Miroshnichenko then made his first appearance with the VHL team in early December in a game against Metallurg Novokuznetsk (More here.). It was his first game with the VHL team since being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma back. He recorded two primary assists in the game.
Miroshnichenko made his KHL debut on December 4. (More here) and scored his first career KHK goal on December 26. [More here].
Overall, the regular Season has been a great success for the 19 year old. He recorded three goals and one assist in 23 KHL games, three assists in four VHL games played and 10 goals and four assists in 12 games played in the MHL during the regular season. He has a goal and three assists in the first four postseason games.
The Capitals ultimately selected Miroshnichenko in the first round (#20 overall) of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft held on July 7.
By Jon Sorensen
Miro and whatever guy we get in the 2023 draft are probably our cut two for the rest of their careers. At least that’s what I hope for these two players. A Miro/Wood/Suzdalev line would be amazing
I’m with ya. That line should take shape by mid-summer, at least on paper.