The Capitals prospect is expected to suit up on the third line with Evgeny Kuznetsov against the Islanders.
ARLINGTON, V.A. — Ivan Miroshnichenko was pulled into head coach Spencer Carbery's office on Wednesday to talk about the growth in his game and how it'll translate to his recent call-up with the Washington Capitals. He's still learning English, so Aliaksei Protas was at his side to translate. However, when asked if he was ready to play in the NHL and compete, he needed no translator.
"Yes... Of course," he spoke in perfect English, then shook Carbery's hand as he was told he'd be making his NHL debut.
Miroshnichenko will play in his first career game on Wednesday as the Capitals play host to the New York Islanders.
"I was so happy and nervous at the same time when I hear the news," Miroshnichenko said of his call-up, translated by Protas. "Just enjoy being around here right now, just so happy to be here."
The 19-year-old, who has eight goals and seven assists for 15 points in 27 games to open his pro carer overseas with the AHL's Hershey Bears, is getting a look up at the highest level due to injuries to Sonny Milano and T.J. Oshie. For Spencer Carbery, it was to try to get some change going to ignite the offense.
"Just gives us a different look up front," Carbery said, adding of Miroshnichenko, "All reports talking to (Todd Nelson) yesterday, he's shown signs of improvement throughout the process there. Obviously, we know the offensive ability that he has scoring down there, his play without the puck and the details inside of his game... we've been following his process very, very closely. He's been in and out of the lineup in the American League and having to learn some hard lessons, but like I said, over the past few weeks as we've sort of kept track of him, we've seen some steady improvement."
For Miroshnichenko, it's been a notable learning curve, but one he's enjoyed.
"The two biggest things I got used to: life in North America, first of all, and for sure North American because it’s a little different compared (to) like, man in NHL, man in KHL. Little different game because more like physical, and guys a little bit faster and more physical at the same time in AHL trying to prove themselves," Miroshnichenko said. "So it helped me a lot too. That’s probably like two biggest things.”
Miroshnichenko will suit up on the third line with center Evgeny Kuznetsov at his side. Having No. 92 there is to give him a fellow Russian-speaker to help him adapt.
"I'm so happy to play with such a star player like Kuzy. Good thing he’s Russian speaking so he can help me a lot to play at the higher level and he will help me and that’s good," Miroshichenko said, grinning, "I hope I’ll assist on his couple goals and he'll assist on mine."
Ultimately, given his lengthy journey that included a battle with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, ups and downs playing with the KHL's Avangard Omsk and terminating his deal overseas early to make his dream happen sooner, Miroshnichenko is filled with emotion as he prepares to step on the ice at Capital One Arena.
But one thing is certain: he feels ready.
"Basically, I went through so many circumstances and different situations in my life, working for that for my whole life and everybody nervous, family’s nervous, so just so excited," Miroshnichenko said.