ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, December 17, 1996 TAG: 9612170051
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: EXPRESS NOTES
SOURCE: RALPH BERRIER JR. STAFF WRITER
Ilya Dubkov isn't the only guy to play well since his return to the Roanoke Express.
Dubkov has put up some great numbers since he came back to the United States on Nov. 12. It's no coincidence that left wing Jeff Jablonski's offensive output has increased since that day, too.
Dubkov has scored 23 points on nine goals and 13 assists in just 12 games. Jablonski, obviously benefitting from being paired with Dubkov on the same line, has 12 goals and eight assists during that span.
It's the way the two are working together on the ice that has impressed teammates, team officials and the players themselves.
``For some reason, we know where each other is going to be,'' said Jablonski, who leads the Express with 17 goals and 34 points.
The two are clicking much more smoothly than a year ago, when they were Roanoke's top two scorers. Dubkov had a team-high 72 points, but his 20 goals were a career-low. Jablonski had a team-high 39 goals, but he dished out just 22 assists.
This year, it's like two long-lost twins getting back together. Jablonski has been leaving between-the-skates passes for Dubkov to put away. Dubkov has carried the puck into the offensive zone and set it up on a tee for Jablonski. The two combined for four goals in Roanoke's 6-4 win over Knoxville last Saturday.
``Last year, Duby was doing the setting up,'' said Jablonski. ``This year, we fit together really good. I think that's a credit to having better players out there and better help with things. We played together all year last year, but this year things are really working. I don't why that is, exactly. I'm the furthest thing from Russian.''
LODER RETURNS: The Express welcomed back rookie center Jeff Loder, who spent most of last week with the International Hockey League's Manitoba Moose.
Loder played in only one of three games while he was with the Moose before returning to Roanoke on Sunday. Manitoba planned to use Loder in two of the games, but injuries forced the Moose to carry an extra defenseman.
``They said they were pleased with the way I played,'' Loder said. ``They said to go back and continue playing the way I've been playing. They said they loved the way I positioned myself on the ice and my speed and that they'll keep me in mind.''
Less certain is the status of veteran defenseman Michael Smith, who was called up by the American Hockey League's Saint John Flames last Friday. Smith played against the St.John's Maple Leafs on Saturday, finishing with two shots and a plus-1 rating.
Smith is expected to be with the Flames when they play Springfield this Thursday.
ICE CHIPS: The Express is running a holiday ticket special tonight only. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for kids and parking is $1. All merchandise will be 25 percent off and discounts will be offered on food and drink.
LENGTH: Medium: 59 linesby CNB