9/23: Capitals @ Hawks

[HawkWriter]

http://blackhawks.nhl.com/v2/ext/GameNotes/110924_CHIRoster_DET.pdf

Roster for the game at 4PM today vs. the Wings.

On offense of interest to me is...Beach, Kruger, Smith, Stalberg, Saad (4th game in a row).

On defense of interest to me is...Olsen (played great the other night), Lepisto, Leddy

We have Emery/Salak battling it out again as well.

 

[Everyday I'm Byfuglien]

Really good to hear Saad continues to impress. I've only watched the Pittsburgh game and he definitely stood out.

And boy, if Stalberg can get his game together and put up 45 points or so, his contract would look brilliant.

Any possible idea on the backup goalie situation yet? Like, do you think they might be leaning one way or the other?

 

[HawkWriter]

^^^ My take on the goalie situation...

Salak has outplayed Emery (granted in limited time). However, it is probably most beneficial for Salak that he gets to play as many games as possible this year to develop even more - which is why the AHL would be perfect for him. Salak does have a very cap friendly NHL contract. If the Blackhawks want to sign Emery, it will probably be a 1 way deal. However, it is important to note that any NHL team can still sign Emery if they want, as he isn't property of the Blackhawks at all.

I still think it is 50/50. All I know is that the Blackhawks are very, very thin at the goaltender position. If we go with Salak as the back up and Emery walks, I expect the Hawks to sign a veteran to play in the AHL...because we would badly need it for both the Hogs and for depth on the Hawks.

 

[derosabomb]

Stalgod!!!

 

[HawkWriter]

My take on today's game (Blackhawks at Redwings) where the Blackhawks lost 3 - 4 in a shootout. I was only able to catch the first 2 periods and I'll only comment on the guys that I really tried to track

Pirri - Once again he played a great game. He is always buzzing around the puck and creating opportunities. I am expecting big things from him in the AHL this year and I expect we might see him up with the Hawks at some time if injuries dictate it. He gets tossed around pretty easily though and really needs to add to his 160lb frame.

Saad - Another solid game from him. He seems to really simplify the game. No blueline turnovers and he wins board battles. Should be interesting to see if he goes back to his juniors team or not tomorrow, I think it is probably 50/50...but I think he stays for another couple games.

Olsen - looked great again tonight. He sometimes would run out of position to make a hit, but it is understandable at this point. He was matched up against Zetterberg's line, so we got a pretty good feel of what he could do against top NHL competition.

Salak - played okay but was beat up high a few times. Emery is supposedly going to start a full game on Friday.

Jimmy Hayes - Another young guy turning heads. I expect him to start in the AHL but he could be a call up if needed. He seems like a guy that can play on the 3rd line if needed...he has soft hands (nice goal), is a large guy, and is a pretty solid skater for his size. He needs to develop some more snarl though, something that he probably didn't use too much at BC...but it should hopefully come with some AHL seasoning.

Finally we have the battle between Smith, Stalberg and Kruger. Tonight I would rank them...1. Smith 2. Stalberg 3. Kruger. Kruger just isn't showing me what we would need out of a top tier center right now. He lost a faceoff on the PK that created a goal and he doesn't seem to be playing with confidence. I thought Smith had another nice game, finding the open ice and working his ass off. Stalberg played a nice game as well, using his speed but he did have a blueline turnover in the 1st (offensive zone) that can't happen come regular season.