SB Nation - Chicago Blackhawks

If the playoffs started today...

James Mirtle — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 20:19:00 -0000

More photos » by Chris O'Meara - AP

I usually put this together a couple times a year just to see where everyone sits in the standings. An awful lot can change, and injuries and the Olympics will be a big factor down the stretch, but at least we can look back and see where we were at the one-third mark (or so).

Based on projected point totals, here are the 16 current playoff teams and where they'd slot in:

Eastern Conference

(1) New Jersey vs. (8) Four teams tied

There's a huge logjam at the bottom of the East right now that includes the Habs, Rangers, Lightning and Flyers, all of which are on pace for just 82 points. That'd be by far the weakest team postlockout to make the playoffs. The Devils, meanwhile, have been very impressive even without Paul Martin.

(2) Washington vs. (7) Ottawa

The Capitals are hardly a surprise for being at the top of the heap and are on pace to finish 13 points higher than any other club in the Southeast (which remains weak). And the Sens have managed to stay just a little bit above the dog pile — but not much.

(3) Buffalo vs. (6) Atlanta

A hot rivalry heats up? (No, not so much.) Two teams I think few picked to be in playoff positioning but which are excelling due to great goaltending more than anything. Will it last?

(4) Pittsburgh vs. (5) Boston

The Penguins like that 4-5 slot, don't they? And it's always a tough, tough matchup. Winning the Atlantic won't be as tough as it has been unless the Rangers or Flyers get it together, but you don't want to fall into this spot against a team like the Bruins in Round 1.

Western Conference

(1) Chicago vs. (8) Dallas

The Blackhawks have been the class of the NHL so far, on pace for 116 points despite missing Marian Hossa and with Cristobal Huet in net. The Stars, meanwhile, are probably in for a big fight for that final spot given Detroit, Vancouver and Columbus are all right below them.

(2) San Jose vs. (7) Colorado

Just like the Capitals, the Sharks are expected to be here, beating up on a lower seed (in theory, anyway). The Avs keep hanging around after their incredible start, but like Dallas, will have some big time challengers in the teams just below them.

(3) Calgary vs. (6) Nashville/Phoenix

Talk about a couple interesting matchups. The Flames have impressed me, mainly due to the play of Miikka Kiprusoff and Jay Bouwmeester, and I think they'll win the Northwest handily. The Preds and Coyotes, meanwhile, are the feel-good stories so far — it'd be nice to see either of those low-salaried teams find some success despite the odds.

(4) Los Angeles vs. (5) Phoenix/Nashville

The Kings are way better than I thought they'd be; at this point, I think Terry Murray deserves some legitimate consideration as coach of the year. Whereas they couldn't score to save their lives at even strength last season, L.A. is now a dangerous offensive team even with Alex Frolov coming up lame. They've allowed more goals than any other team in playoff position, however, and that's a big worry over the next couple months.

How many of these teams do you think hang onto their spots?

At Home He Feels Like A Tourist: Blackhawks At Sabres Preview/Game Thread/Ice Cream Social

Matthew Dirt — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 19:39:22 -0000

Game Time: 6:30 Central
TV/Radio: CSN, WGN 720
Opposition Blogs: Die By The Blade
Don't Forget: Your SPG Picks

For some reason that isn't all that clear - the Blackhawks have had some trouble finding the back of the net when skating 5-on-5. I guess it's good news then that the goalie with a 1.82 GAA and .938 SV% will primarily be concerned with opening and closing the door to the bench tonight. As per Kuc's report from earlier today - Ryan Miller is getting the night off in favor of Patrick Lalime who will face his former teammates. This squad has very little in common from the 07-08 season though when Daydream Nation were rookies and Andrei Zyuzin and Sergie Samsonov actually suited up for a combined 55 games (and 9 points).

Lalime hasn't had a great time since leaving Chicago - he's only played in 27 games and in his 3 games this year has a .836 SV% on a Sabres team that has been surprisingly strong. They're only one point behind Boston for the lead spot in the Northeast despite having played two fewer games. Miller obviously has a lot to do with that since the Sabres are 20th overall in Goals/Game. Like the Hawks, they have no players with a double-digit total in goals (Kane, VERSTEEG! or Buff could change that though if they get one in tonight).

There's three other stories going into this game though, two of them are getting plenty of press so far so I won't bother them much other than to mention that yes, this is Patrick Kane's first game in Buffalo since he and his cousin let out their wrath on a cabbie over a few missing dimes. Will Buffalo turn on their favorite son over this incident? Maybe now that he's signed to Chicago for 5 more years thereby ending their dreams of him playing for his hometown squad they won't treat him quite so fondly.

As Blackhawk Up points out too - this is also Brian Campbell's first game back in The Queen City (I just learned that's Buffalo's nickname). I'm not sure what the feeling is in Buffalo, but if it's anything like the ridiculousness in San Jose - Campbell is going to be hearing a lot off boos again tonight. In an odd way, I do hope Buffalo ends up booing Kane and Campbell. Those two hold onto the puck for so long that any moron booing will pass out by the second when they forget to inhale.

Finally - there's the small matter of Drew Stafford. Last year, Stafford delivered a big hit to Duncan Keith which kept him off the ice for two weeks (and could possibly explain his less than stellar post season). The hit on Keith was legal but questionable. I don't think it was overly dirty but in the game against Pitt we saw Keith take exception to another hard hit and take some revenge. It'd be shocking to see Keith go out of his way to run Stafford but I wouldn't put it past someone like Eager who got out of the penalty box and immediately went after Stafford after the hit.

With Miller out this is a very winnable game for the Blackhawks. If the Hawks play anything like they did against the Rangers it shouldn't be too hard as Lalime is a far cry from Lundqvist in everything except for an alphabetical roll call but we here at SCH have an uncanny ability to call someone out only to have them play the game of their career.

Lets Go Hawks

Game Preview: Chicago Blackhawks @ Buffalo Sabres

Rafal Ladysz — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 18:03:54 -0000

More photos » by Don Heupel - AP

2 days ago: Washington Captials left winger Alex Ovechkin, of Russia, bottom left, misses an open net as Buffalo Sabres goalie Ryan Miller is caught out of position during the first period of the NHL hockey game in Buffalo, N.Y., Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009. Sabres defenseman Steve Montador, right, watches the play. (AP Photo/Don Heupel)

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You've got to be lucky to be good and good to be lucky. The Buffalo Sabres were a little of both Wednesday becoming the first team in 11 months to shutout the Washington Capitals. While they did an excellent job of keeping Alexander Ovechkin and company outside of the perimeter, Buffalo was fortunate on a few chances that Washington sent wide of an empty net. And Ryan Miller was there to snag the great opportunities that did head on goal.

All in all, it was the type of win that solidifies a squad as a contender with shot blocking, active sticks and back-checking doing the job. Chicago brings their own brand of firepower into HSBC Arena as the schedule hasn't gotten easier. Substitute Ovechkin, Alexander Semin, Nicklas Backstrom and Mike Green with Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Marian Hossa and Duncan Keith.

The Blackhawks defeated Buffalo last year by a 4-1 scoreline but the Sabres have won three of the past four get-togethers. Chicago is 5-0-1 against Eastern Conference oppositions thus far and Buffalo is 5-0 facing the West. This should be an interesting match-up, not to mention very exciting.

Five thoughts on each team below.

Patrick Lalime and Cristobal Huet are your starting netminders. It was assumed Miller would be in for this one giving the back-up tomorrow's showdown in New York. I can see why Lalime is eager to get his first win of the year against his former team but the Sabres will have to play similar to their shutdown format against Washington. Motivation for the goaltender means nothing if he's hung out to dry.
Chicago has really taken it to another level since the return of Toews and introduction of Hossa. They are 11-2-1 with their captain back in the line-up and the Slovakian has seven points in as many games. By the way, Toews also has 13 points in 14 matches.
Paul Gaustad has begun skating with the team showing progression but there's no timetable for his return. Regardless, this is a great sign as the Sabres have struggled in the face-off circle without Goose. Mike Grier is expected back possibly Saturday after visiting his mother. In practice yesterday, Tim Connolly felt hip pain and wasn't able to withstand the whole session. Lindy Ruff suspects it's nothing serious and that the center should play. Who knows with Connolly though?
Overpaid defenseman Brian Campbell is back for the first time in a different jersey. Last year's contest between these franchises was in Chicago so it'll be his only visit since abandoning Buffalo. Expect tons of boo-birds for Campbell and I'm sure Blackhawks fans aren't happy either with the dollars-to-points ratio.
A goal and an assist were earned by Nathan Gerbe in his first call-up from the AHL. It was only a matter of time before someone got the go-ahead from Portland. As he was instructed to, Gerbe crashed the net despite his lack of size and threw the puck on it from down low for his first career NHL goal. We'll see what he has up his sleeve this time.
Cristobal Huet owns a 14-6-2 record with a .907 save percentage and 2.18 GAA. Known as somewhat of an enigma, Buffalo would be wise to get pucks at him from various angles and positions. Put the puck on net and good things will happen. The Sabres can't waste time attempting pretty plays and cute ideas.
In response to a third period benching Monday, Derek Roy sprung a pair of assists and tenacious two-way efforts against Washington. Leading the team in points, the 26-year-old needs to bring that intensity and skill routinely.
Buffalo native Patrick Kane has his sights on a career campaign with 28 points already in 29 games. He's played the Sabres twice registering one goal. Kane said he expects to get booed in reference to the cab driver incident from the summer.
Ranked third and sixth in penalty killing, it'll be intriguing to see if either can break through with the man-advantage. Thomas Vanek has four powerplay goals while Toews is up to five. Today would be a good time for Vanek to end his scoring slump. Please?
Yet to win with Miller on the bench, Buffalo is in for a fight with these Blackhawks who can beat a goaltender in bunches. I hope Lalime is ready because it could be a long evening if he's even a little rusty and the Sabres play the first frame laid back.

Normally, you'd hope to get a lighter match after taking on the Washington Capitals. However, this is a huge opening for the Buffalo Sabres. What better way to prove themselves as a threat than beating both Washington and Chicago in succession?

New Jersey Devils Morning News, Dec 10

TibbsBeastoftheEast — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:35:48 -0000

Devils notes: Bryce Salvador OK - (The Bergen Record)
No record, but Brodeur and Devils beat 'Canes, 4-2 - (The Bergen Record)

No shutout record for Brodeur tonight - (Fire & Ice)
Another big night for Andy Greene - (Fire & Ice)
Salvador survives dangerous hit from Cole; Leblond back in New Jersey - (Fire & Ice)
Live post: Devils lead 3-2 in third period; Salvador returns from apparent knee injury - (Fire & Ice)
Brodeur going for record-breaker tonight - (Fire & Ice)
John Madden adjusting to life in Chicago after leaving Devils; Leblond on way back - (Fire & Ice)
A Sutter returns to Prudential Center - (Fire & Ice)
Optional morning skate for Devils today; Brodeur to go for record breaker tonight - (Fire & Ice)
Is NJ Devils defenseman Andy Greene an All-Star? - (The Star Ledger)
Bryce Salvador shrugs off neck injury to help NJ Devils hold off Carolina Hurricanes, 4-2 - (The Star Ledger)
No shutout for Martin Brodeur, but NJ Devils earn 4-2 victory over Carolina Hurricanes - (The Star Ledger)
NJ Devils-Carolina Hurricanes: As they played - (The Star Ledger)
Dean McAmmond hoping to win elusive Stanley Cup with NJ Devils - (The Star Ledger)
Jacques Lemaire: Pursuit of Martin Brodeur's 104th shutout won't distract NJ Devils - (The Star Ledger)
Will Mike Mottau return Wednesday night for NJ Devils? - (The Star Ledger)
Devils go Greene against Hurricanes - (The New York Daily News)
Devils top shelf - (The New York Post)
Brodeur became star after figuring out Rangers - (The New York Post)
Watch Postgame Reaction - (Msgnetwork)
Martin Brodeur Chasing History - (Msgnetwork)
Devils 4, Hurricanes 2 - (NewJerseyDevils.com)
Brodeur joins Bettman on NHL Hour - (NHL.com)
NHL Standings - (Yahoo NHL)
Devils' players stats - (Yahoo NHL)
Devils Team Report - (Yahoo NHL)
THN.com Top 10: Calder candidates - (The Hockey News); Niclas Bergfors
Bower happy for Brodeur's shut-out feat - (Orillia Packet & Times)
Brodeur earned his place in history - (Toronto Sun)
Close but no Cigar: Devils 4, Hurricanes 2 - (Canes Country)
Scary injury still haunts Hurricane goaltender - (Kelowna.com)
They Are Who We Thought They Were - (fanhouse.com); Martin Brodeur
FanHouse MUVPs: Eastern Conference - (fanhouse.com); Andy Greene
Devils vs. Hurricanes, 12/9/09 - (Interchangeable Parts)

TRENTON DEVILS
Caruso's Splendid Homecoming Lifts Devils, 4-3, in Gwinnett - (TrentonDevils.com)
Week 8 Highlighted By Last Minute Comeback - (TrentonDevils.com)
Trenton Devils Acquire Forward Jack Combs - ECHL - (MLN - The Raw Feed)

AROUND THE NHL
Power rankings, week 10 - (The Detroit News); Devils in 4th

MISCELLANEOUS
Former Devil Madden gives leadership to Blackhawks - (The New York Post)
Program keeping pace - (The North Bay Nugget); Jersey Hockey Fights Hunger
Cops vs. Devils: dinardo Charity Hockey Game - (myfoxny.com)

To The Five Boroughs - Hawks 2, Rangers 1 (OT)

McClure — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 08:33:32 -0000

More photos » by Paul Beaty - AP

Dustin Ovechkin? Where the balls did THAT come from?

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If you can find anything to complain about from the Hawks from this game...you're wrong. The fact of the matter is, for nearly 64 minutes, the Hawks dominated this game, and the only thing that kept the Rangers in it was Henrik Lundqvist. The one sequence that the Hawks gave Marian Gaborik any room to work with in the first he found an open Chris Higgins who beat Cristobal Huet from the left circle with a perfect water bottle wrister. Other than that, however, the Rangers didn't get a sniff, as evidenced by the 3 shots COMBINED in the third and OT, and totaled 18 for the evening.

In the offensive zone, the Hawks mauled the rangers for a total of 41 shots for the night, and the game would have been out of hand early if not for Lundqvist's heroics. Every line for the Hawks produced offense, and it finally took four Hawks jamming away at King Henrik with 6 minutes left, and on a power play, to finally prod one past him to equal the score, and consequently force the overtime.

Once in OT, the Hawks kept the pressure on, and then came one of the most ridiculous things I've seen at the UC in a long time. Dustin Byfuglien picked up a loose puck at the top of his own rings and led a one-man rush down the ice and slid the puck past Lundqvist for the game winner. Buff has regularly been a whipping boy of this blog, and this play is part of the reason why. Seeing this, we all know he has it in him, and yet he is still quite often a passenger on whatever line he happens to be playing with. It's confounding, but even still, it resulted in my maniacal victorious laughter at the end of the night, so all's well that ends well. Hawks win 2-1.

Observations

The second line of Sharp, Kane, and Brouwer looks quite promising, as Sharp was everywhere tonight, despite not making it onto the score sheet
I TELL YA, DAT HORSA GUY CAN BACKCHECK
Nice to see Troy Brouwer throwing his weight around again
It seemed like the book on Lundqvist was to go high, which the Hawks adhered to, but it led to many, MANY shots over the net and rung off the end board glass. Had they not gotten too cute, the shot total would have dwarfed the 41 that was put up.
The Hawks have only scored 4 even strength goals since the San Jose game.
I cannot believe a game that involved Donald Brashear, Sean Avery, and Ben Eager did not contain a single moment of unbridled numbskullery.

Player of the Game

In spite of Buff's goal, and even though it ended up being a losing effort, there is no denying that King Henrik had the best game of anyone on the ice tonight.

Sabres 3 Capitals 0: Miller Earns Fourth Shutout Against Capitals

David Oleksy — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 04:57:54 -0000

More photos » by Don Heupel - AP

1 day ago: Buffalo Sabres center Nathan Gerbe, left, celebrates Sabres defenseman Steve Montador's goal in front of Washington Capitals goalie Jose Theodore, center, and Capitals defenseman Tom Poti during the first period of the NHL hockey game in Buffalo, N.Y., Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009. Buffalo shutout Washington 3-0. (AP Photo/Don Heupel)

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After a terrible loss like Monday night, I look to see how the team starts the next game. The Buffalo Sabres responded admirably in their 3-0 victory over the red hot Washington Capitals. Washington had a six game winning streak and four game road winning streak before they were shutdown in Buffalo.

The Capitals outshot the Sabres 35-28 but I felt this was one of the Sabres best games of the season. They did a remarkable job of shutting down Alexander Ovechkin and the rest of the high scoring Capitals. Ryan Miller made quite a few unbelievable saves but most of the Capitals shots came from the outside and never really tested Miller until the third period.

The Sabres scored three times tonight and every goal was the type of goal we have been looking for from this team all season. The first goal came early in the game on a shot from Steve Montador that pinballed in front of the net and found it's was behind Theodore. The second was a power play goal from Nathan Gerbe that came from a bad angle but bounced off of Theodore and into the net. The third was an end to end rush by Henrik Tallinder. Not only was it a great rush up ice by Tallinder but the first shot was stopped and he continued towards the net and fired the rebound behind the Capitals netminder.

Maybe I'm just excited by a 3-0 victory but I can't find anything to complain about. I thought the defense was great, the forwards did a good job of backchecking and best of all...they took the ice away from the Capitals snipers. Buffalo played an up tempo game and really forced the Capitals to work hard for their chances.

Final - 12.9.2009	1	2	3	Total
Washington Capitals	0	0	0	0
Buffalo Sabres	1	2	0	3

Complete Coverage >

Game Notes

We have all been calling for some kids to get called up and spark the team. They called up Nathan Gerbe today and he responded with his first career goal and an assist on the first goal of the game.
Tyler Myers continues to struggle with bad giveaways but he deserves credit for helping to shutdown the Capitals top line along with Tallinder.
Thomas Vanek never found his way on the scoresheet tonight but I thought he played an outstanding game. He was strong along the wall and he worked to get a couple of good scoring chances. If he continues to work as hard as he did tonight, he will find his way on the scoresheet in the very near future.
The power play is still a concern and looked pretty bad tonight despite the Gerbe goal. It was a good goal by Gerbe but it wasn't because the Sabres applied pressure with the man advantage.
The penalty killing has been great for Buffalo and they were again tonight. The penalty killing has been so good because they limit their opponents opportunities. They did that again tonight by giving the Capitals only one power play chance.
Andrej Sekera didn't show any effects from his ankle injury that threatened to keep him out of the lineup. This was one of the best games I have seen Sekera play the entire season.
It's no surprise when Ryan Miller plays an outstanding game but I would argue this was his best game of the season. He made five or six amazing saves and rebounded nicely from a couple of softies on Monday night.

Up Next

Patrick Kane will return to Buffalo on Friday night. The Sabres schedule does not get any easier as they play the Chicago Blackhawks. The Blackhawks are possibly the best team in the Western Conference.

Next Game

Chicago Blackhawks
@ Buffalo Sabres

Friday, Dec 11, 2009, 7:30 PM EST
HSBC Arena

Complete Coverage >

Rangers Recap: Blackhawks defeat Lundqvist 2-1

Joe Fortunato — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 04:14:10 -0000

More photos » by Paul Beaty - AP

1 day ago: New York Rangers' Sean Avery right, moves the puck down the ice against the Chicago Blackhawks' Marian Hossa in the first period of an NHL hockey game in Chicago, Wednesday Dec. 9, 2009. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)

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What can you really say about a game like this? The New York Rangers were dominated for a full 60 minutes, blew a one goal lead late in the third, continuously handed out power plays (which is incidentally how they blew the lead) and lost. I am not happy about this game but I am so numb to this team right now that it doesn't matter.

Chris Higgins opened the scoring with a beautiful goal off of a pretty feed from--you guessed it--Marian Gaborik. But from that point forward the Blackhawks dominated play and literally had continuous pressure on the Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist must have read Nick's story about him, because he played the best game I have seen in a long time. Once again the boys let you down tonight Hank.

As usual I have a little bone to pick with John Tortorella who benched Artem Anisimov after a bad penalty in the third but apparently saw nothing wrong with Chris Drury bear-hugging a Hawk in the neutral zone to start the third period penalty parade.

You know as this season continues to spiral out control I wonder when John Tortorella is going to snap. How he can sit there and keep saying "I thought we played well we just didn't get the result" is beyond me. He needs to do something, make a point, make a stand. Maybe Michael Rozsival should have been scratched for Ikka Heikkinen.

As for you Glen Sather maybe you should do something, and if you are trying to do something then try harder please. You have watched this team for 30 games, please do something.

Empty Netters:

Why is John Tortorella putting Chris Drury and Michael Rozsival out there on the power play. If you don't want to score on the power play John just decline the penalty.
Did you laugh out loud when Joe suggested that Drury would score in OT because he "scores clutch goals"? I did.
Marian Gaborik trys to hard to help this team. He got back before Matt Gilroy did on the game winning goal, it says something about his character.
Tell me Tortorella isn't losing this team after that game? Did you see all of those penalties in the third? The old Tortorella would have had someone's head on the bench and then taken his anger out on the media.
Also I am beginning to re-think this Sean Avery on the first line thing. He doens't have the scoring touch to help Gaborik produce and since no one else is scoring other teams are blanketing Gabby thus Avery can't make him room.
Jesus this team has problems.

I'm done. Vent please.

Rangers GameDay: News and Notes, Scouting the Blackhawks

Jim Schmiedeberg — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 18:28:36 -0000

More photos » by Paul J. Bereswill - AP

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Some news and notes heading into tonight's game with Chicago:

The NY Daily News today talks about Sean Avery going back to the top line:

The initial reason was that a two-game audition on the first line for Artem Anisimov showed the rookie center, while improving, isn't ready to handle that sort of two-way responsibility.

After initiating "a couple of very pointed conversations" with Avery in recent weeks, Tortorella also believes the agitating winger has responded by rediscovering his aggressive and grating style to play his most effective hockey of the season over the last several games.

Granted, the first line has not played up to speed the last two games, but is two games a fair assessment of a rookie's ability to play as a first line center?

For better or worse, looks like Wade Redden will be ready to play tonight against Chicago:

USA Today MVP Poll now has Marian Gaborik at the top, moving up from number 4. Of course this always raises the old question of "can a last place (or close to it) team really have the MVP of the league?"

More after the jump........

Rangers and Blackhawks head-to-head

	STATS
29	GP	28
14	W	18
14	L	7
1	OT	3
29	P	39
0.500	P%	0.696
2.79	G/G	2.93
3.03	GA/G	2.18
20.2	PP%	21.4
83.9	PK%	84.5
29.1	S/G	32.0
29.9	SA/G	24.4
47.5	FO%	53.5

As you can see, the Rangers have their work cut out for them tonight.

Blackhawks Notes:(courtesy of NHL.com)

After fashioning an eight-game winning streak last month, the Hawks have struggled to regain their groove. Chicago has lost three of its last five games, and much like the Rangers, the Blackhawks' offense, too, is struggling. The Hawks have yet to win in regulation since that eight-game stretch, while scoring only seven goals in the process. An obvious source of concern might be Patrick Kane. While the winger has been setting up teammates, Kane is nearly three weeks removed from his last goal, a game-winner against the Oilers on Nov. 21.

With the exception of longterm injuries to Adam Burish and Dave Bolland, the Hawks will have a full lineup Wednesday.

Patrick Kane's seven-game goal-less streak is his third of five games or more this year. While they are not the longest stretches of Kane's career -- he endured a 12-game drought last December and January -- and Kane does have five assists over his current dryspell it is still a worrisome trend for the Hawks. Kane only had three goal-less streaks of five or more games all last season.

NFL Ruins historic ad campaign for Blackhawks and Bears (Puck Daddy, Yahoo Sports)

Marian Hossa "slowly getting there" (Chicago Trib)

Gaborik the focus of Blackhawks attention (Chicago Breaking News)

For more on the Blackhawks, check out Second City Hockey, the SBNation home of the Chicago Blackhawks

Something new I am going to throw into these previews, just for fun:

SweaterRating: A

Original Six teams always lead the pack when it comes to hockey sweaters, and the Hawks home reds have always been among the best in the league. They also get props for a great Winter Classic sweater.

Lightning prospects / system update

John Fontana — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 23:08:00 -0000

More photos » by Donna McWilliam - AP

Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Jaroslav Janus (37), (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)

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It's been over a month since our first prospect update. For regular readers, you'll recall that in November we had posted stats for the majority of the players who had been invited to camp over the summer. Fresh draftees, tenured prospects, camp invitees, and (a single) KHL defectees

Below the fold, you'll find a list of players who didn't make the opening night roster for the Lightning and where they are now and just how they are performing in their current location. Consider this a system update.

Of course, the more complete place to find updates on Lightning prospects and just how they are producing is over at Bolt Prospects. You'll find dao;u updates on more players in the Lightning system, unsigned draftees, college hockey recruits and those playing abroad. For the meantime, here's where things stand with some of the players in the system on December 8th, 2009:

Forwards

Name

Team

League

Goals

Assists

Points

Carter Ashton Lethbridge Hurricanes
WHL-Juniors

13

13

26

Brandon Bochenski Norfolk Admirals
AHL

12

11

23

Ryan Craig*** Norfolk Admirals
AHL

9

6

15

Kyle DeCoste Sault Ste. Marie / Belleville Bulls
(Combined stat total)
OHL - Juniors

9

8

17

Mitch Fadden Norfolk Admirals
AHL

0

0

0

Adam Hall Norfolk Admirals
AHL

4

7

12

Alex Hutchings Barrie Colts
OHL-Juniors

18

20

38

Blair Jones* Norfolk Admirals
AHL

6

13

19

Martins Karsums Norfolk Admirals
AHL

1

4

5

Chris Lawrence Norfolk Admirals
AHL

0

3

3

Richard Panik Windsor Spitfires
OHL-Juniors

7

9

16

Juraj Simek Norfolk Admirals
AHL

4

9

12

Radek Smolenak* Norfolk Admirals
AHL

3

9

12

Matias Sointu Ottawa 67's / Sudbury Wolves
(combined stat total)
OHL-Juniors

4

7

11

Paul Szczechura Norfolk Admirals
AHL

6

8

14

Lauri Tukonen Lukko Rauma
FNL-Europe

5

9

14

Dana Tyrell Norfolk Admirals
AHL

0

9

9

currently with the Lightning
***Has spent time at NHL level this season

Craig, Jones, Smolenak and Szczechura have all spent time in the NHL this season: Szczechura (or "Chewie" for short) is currently with teh Lightning. Jones was with the Lightning last week and Craig the week before. Radek Smolenak had been claimed off waivers by the Chicago Blackhawks and played with the team early in the season until Chicago waived him and the Lightning reclaimed him.

Brett McLean who had been a camp invitee is not included int hese stats this time around. He is playing in Bern, Switzerland and is not Lightning property.

Three of the above forwards that are listed really piqued my curiosity. Richard Panik (who was considered a steal in the draft this June), Dana Tyrell (who put on a show during the Young Guns camp in July) and Mitch Fadden (who has played in only four games and it wasn't clear what the deal was). I contacted Pete Choquette of Bolt Prospects and he lent some insight on the three.

Panik's numbers were quiet low considering the hype around his abilities. Who can forget his pre-season goal against Sarnia of the OHL? Pete explained things:

I don't think you can completely chalk up Panik's slow start to him falling into bad habits (being out of shape/not putting in a full effort), which was the knock that dropped him from being a potential lottery pick to a late 2nd rounder. Windsor's a very deep team offensively and so Panik's not really required to carry the scoring load. He's playing more of a supporting role for them. That said given how well Loktionov scored there last season as an import I definitely did expect better numbers. I still expect him to be signed in the summer. We'll see if he picks it up in the second half and what should be a long Windsor playoff run. He's got elite level talent.

Tyrell's situation seems to be shaking off rust from hsi devestating knee injury suffered last season in juniors, just as much as it's an adjustment year against bigger opponents. Pete expects a stronger second half from Tyrell, but made it a point to point out what's expected out of Dana in the end:

Bear in mind, though, he's not really an elite scoring prospect. He's always projected to be more of a Vermette type pesky 2nd/3rd line guy.

Fadden has been out with an injury since early in the AHL season after taking a shot to hsi lower body. He only started skating again in late November and is not yet back with the Admirals. Pete described Fadden as "a project" who will have to improve upon his soft reputationto make a dent in the forward depth in Norfolk.

Defense

Name	Team	League	Goals	Assists	Points
Mark Barberio	Moncton Wildcats	QMJHL-Juniors	2	20	22
Scott Jackson	Norfolk Admirals	AHL	0	5	5
Matt Lashoff	Norfolk Admirals	AHL	1	2	3
Mike Lundin***	Norfolk Admirals	AHL	2	10	12
Vladmir Mihalik	Norfolk Admirals	AHL	0	8	8
Kevin Quick	Norfolk Admirals	AHL	0	2	2
Ty Wishart	Norfolk Admirals	AHL	3	3	6

***Has spent time at NHL level this season

Statistics that are missing here and important to getting a better idea of how defensemen are performing are average time-on-ice and plus/minus raitings. Unfortunately the stats are not universally presented among junior age players and the AHL, and that's been part of the reason why I have not included it. Admirals players stats are presented with plus/minus ratings, however, so I do encourage you to jump over there if you are curious.

The entire story on the Bolts defensive prospects is thus: With the backlog of defensemen in Tampa, one has to seriously impress to be called up. Mike Lundin achieved that a few weeks ago. Head Coach had nothing but praise for Lundin:

"He's a strong player. He can get underneath people and throw people around. He's chased down some of the best players in the world in (Ilya) Kovalchuk and (Marian) Gaborik. His poke check is as good as (Victor) Hedman. He's got a very good stick. ... He's an NHL defenseman."

But until the defensive backlog in Tampa is cleared out (and we've been waiting for this since last September), Lundin playing in the NHL will continue to be on hold..

Goaltenders

Name	Team	League	Win	Loss	OTL	Save %	GAA
Riku Helenius	Norfolk Admirals	AHL	4	6	0	.909	2.40
Jarsolov Janus	Erie Otters	OHL-Juniors	4	2	1	.915	2.93
Kari Ramo*	Omsk Avangard	KHL	14	10	2	.913	2.03
Dustin Tokarski	Norfolk Admirals	AHL	8	7	0	.911	2.47
Michael Zador	Oshawa Generals	OHL-Juniors	10	9	3	.900	3.23

*Ramo was not in camp, yet this single instance I thought it was appropriate to show how the player is doing, as Ramo is still Lightning property

Janus, who had played the first month or so on a tryout basis with the Admirals, returned to Erie of the OHL where he had played last season... This gets him the minutes he deserves instead of having to sit behind Tokarski and Helenius.

We'll revisit these players in the new year in our next statistics update.

New Commits

WCHBlog — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:00:14 -0000

Dean Blais and Nebraska-Omaha picked up two players with ties to the Shattuck-St. Mary's program. The first is former Wisconsin-commit Brock Montpetit. The extra year of juniors seems to have really helped him, as he's now a top player on the Waterloo Blackhawks.

The Mavericks also got a commitment from Shattuck senior defenseman James Polk. The left-handed defenseman is playing a bigger role in his second year with the Shattuck prep team, and is a potential NHL draft pick. He was also our 11th president.

There's a couple other interesting eastern commits out there...

Kyle Quick, brother of disgraced former Michigan defenseman Kevin Quick, committed to Brown. The OHL had shown some pretty significant interest in Quick at one point.

Another sibling, AJHL defenseman Tom Kroshus, brother of Harvard forward Eric Kroshus, recently committed to Princeton. Princeton was also a finalist for the older Kroshus, but just lost out to Harvard.

And Joakim Ryan, a defenseman from New Jersey, committed to Cornell. Ryan is originally from Sweden, but has made a name for himself as one of the top prospects here in the US.