Preseason GDT: 9/25 Redwings @ Blackhawks 7:00PM WGN

[bookjones]

[quote name="TJD"]



I realize that we drafted him as we had enough of going the "European" route when Smith was at helm. TBH he looked great tonight and I've always said I'm willing to give him a fair chance before I completely throw in the towel. Tonight he proved to a lot of people that he belongs up in the NHL, but he needs to keeping showing that.[/quote]



Exactly. And as I said earlier, now that it all appears to be coming together it's great for him and the Hawks!

 

[Guest]

[quote name="R K"]



ahhh the truth comes out. The Kopitar excuse sounds much better I know. But I was there and DON'T BUY IT!!!



LOL!!



This is Skille's last chance. He better bring it. Weak draft year and he took a pretty big pay cut to stay. Big for him that is.[/quote]



He looked good tonight and I was impressed.

 

[Guest]

I was a little Miffed they put Makarov on the 4th line. Will he ever get a fair shot here, I don't know. It was disconcerting I heard they were not high on him even despite them always preaching they were (IE Bowman last year saying he'd get a shot this year). He will not produce on the 4th line and is not a 4th line player.



Pretty much tells me he's going to Rockford. Let's just hope they don't bury him there for spite because I really think he has huge potential.



I love how Sassone writes he was non impressive out there. Tim, he was on the FOURTH LINE, how impressive could he be? It's not like they placed him on the top line and replaced Kopecky. They couldn't do that because then Hossa would have no one to hold his Jock.



Kopecky PP time 3:38



Makarov PP time 0:00



Sad.

 

[bookjones]

[quote name="R K"]I was a little Miffed they put Makarov on the 4th line. Will he ever get a fair shot here, I don't know. It was disconcerting I heard they were not high on him even despite them always preaching they were (IE Bowman last year saying he'd get a shot this year). He will not produce on the 4th line and is not a 4th line player.



Pretty much tells me he's going to Rockford. Let's just hope they don't bury him there for spite because I really think he has huge potential



I love how Sassone writes he was non impressive out there. Tim, he was on the FOURTH LINE, how impressive could he be? It's not like they placed him on the top line and replaced Kopecky. They couldn't do that because then Hossa would have no one to hold his Jock.[/quote]



Seriously? They're just feeding the press and court of public opinion lip service because his play couldn't be ignored during the rookie tournament and then the camp scrimmages? If true, that blows. I understand he hasn't translated the pts. production to the exhibition games but I was hoping that they were seeing and appreciating other aspects of his game. I would have surely thought he was the type of player with the type of skill set and potential that Scotty Bowman would recommend they be high on.



I don't want Makarov or Morin here if it means 4th line bs. I'd rather they get serious minutes and seasoning in Rockford with perhaps some call ups if the team needs them if that's the playing in Chicago alternative.

 

[Guest]

[quote name="bookjones"]



Seriously? They're just feeding the press and court of public opinion lip service because his play couldn't be ignored during the rookie tournament and then the camp scrimmages? If true, that blows. I understand he hasn't translated the pts. production to the exhibition games but I was hoping that they were seeing and appreciating other aspects of his game. I would have surely thought he was a type of player with the type of skill set and potential that Scotty Bowman would recommend they be high on.



I don't want Makarov or Morin here if it means 4th line bs. I'd rather they get serious minutes and seasoning in Rockford with perhaps some call ups if the team needs them if that's the alternative.[/quote]



From my understanding, even before the Rookie Tourney, but that is hear say. Although I do believe it.



Morin has played two games, NONE of that he was on the 4th line. He was given plenty of PP time as well. Why does Makarov not get this luxury? Makarov plays his game on the 4th line, with absolutely NO PP time? Why?



Did Kopecky really need to play on the top line tonight? Would Makarov, a better skilled player, fit more appropriately there? I'm not the Coach but it sure appears like dirty politics to me. Anyone else have an explanation why the kid who looked the best in the rookie tourney, and at the start of camp in ALL the scrimmages, gets the shaft on the 4th line?



You know the same thing they've done with Skille every year until now? I don't get this bullshit way of development.



Why did Skille look good tonight. I'll tell you, because he was given 14 plus minutes on the ice and over 3 minutes of PP time. With more SKILLED players.

 

[Ton]

[quote name="R K"]I was disappointed in Lalonde. That was the worst play on a rush that could have been done. Not sure if I noticed it because it was coming right down our way or what, but it was bad. He definitely needs time.



I disagree with Ton 100%. Makarov and Morin are ready now. Now where they find a place for them I don't know. I'd rather have either of them play with the top line guys than Kopecky and I'm a kopecky fan.



Makarov just crushed a Wang like a bug against the glass in front of us. Thought they were going to have to fix the glass after the hit it was so hard.[/quote]



That was my point, there is no room on this club for Makarov or Morin... that doesn't mean they won't be here at some point in the season, I just don't think they'll make the team out of camp.

 

[bookjones]

[quote name="R K"]



From my understanding, even before the Rookie Tourney, but that is hear say. Although I do believe it.



Morin has played two games, NONE of that he was on the 4th line. He was given plenty of PP time as well. Why does Makarov not get this luxury? Makarov plays his game on the 4th line, with absolutely NO PP time? Why?



Did Kopecky really need to play on the top line tonight? Would Makarov, a better skilled player, fit more appropriately there? I'm not the Coach but it sure appears like dirty politics to me. Anyone else have an explanation why the kid who looked the best in the rookie tourney, and at the start of camp in ALL the scrimmages, gets the shaft on the 4th line?



You know the same thing they've done with Skille every year until now? I don't get this bullshit way of development.



Why did Skille look good tonight. I'll tell you, because he was given 14 plus minutes on the ice and over 3 minutes of PP time. With more SKILLED players.[/quote]



Well you mentioned spite and politics in your posts so then my question is what could possibly be going the **** on that has them wanting to stifle or crush Makarov's development? I don't get why they wouldn't be high on him/his upside as it flies on the face of reason. I've never heard about any character concerns either. He was great at camp two years ago, chose to go back to the KHL for some more seasoning which was reasonable for a 20 y.o. who spoke no English and hadn't played in NA, and I believe (? not sure) he was injured for last year's camp but then this offseason he's come right back over and done everything you'd want a prospect to do.

 

[Guest]

Not sure why either.



He was very good in his first prospect camp. He refused to play in the AHL which I'm sure didn't go over well. Not sure "seasoning" was the reason either.



Tonights game was not giving him a legit shot IMO.



And yes Tony there is room for one of them up there. At least. Unless Kopecky is our top line winger. Really. I mean I like him but skilled enough to be on the top line?

 

[PatrickShart]

I know alot of people will dispute this, but Pisani may be as good as Ladd - but the difference is, Fernando can play the PK. Ladd was very steady 5 on 5...but not a bit special team guy. Nothing wrong with that at all, but Fernando can play the PK - very well. I think there's a stat where last year, in 92 PK chances he was on the ice for, he only was on the ice for 2 GA. I may be biased, I played college hockey with him (he was a freshman my senior year)...but a good player nonetheless.



I agree with Stahlberg not showing much, but it's going to take time with him and trying to find any chemistry with a line. It's just too early to think he may not "fit" or pan out. As far as I see...the lines will be something like -

Kopecky - Toews - Hossa

Stahlberg - Sharp - Kane

Pisani - Bolland - Brouwer

Bickell - Dowell - Skille

Potulny



(Players can be moved around for the right combo, but I think this is a pretty sound lineup)



I do think that Makarov or Morin can play at the NHL level. I think it would take Kopecky or Stahlberg getting traded for one of those 2 to crack the top 6, but I think it would be WAY to early to do that in the season for that to happen. With that being said, I think both those 2 start in Rockford - would be the smart move. They'll be needed before the years over.

 

[PatrickShart]

I know alot of people will dispute this, but Pisani may be as good as Ladd - but the difference is, Fernando can play the PK. Ladd was very steady 5 on 5...but not a bit special team guy. Nothing wrong with that at all, but Fernando can play the PK - very well. I think there's a stat where last year, in 92 PK chances he was on the ice for, he only was on the ice for 2 GA. I may be biased, I played college hockey with him (he was a freshman my senior year)...but a good player nonetheless.



I agree with Stahlberg not showing much, but it's going to take time with him and trying to find any chemistry with a line. It's just too early to think he may not "fit" or pan out. As far as I see...the lines will be something like -

Kopecky - Toews - Hossa

Stahlberg - Sharp - Kane

Pisani - Bolland - Brouwer

Bickell - Dowell - Skille

Potulny



(Players can be moved around for the right combo, but I think this is a pretty sound lineup)



I do think that Makarov or Morin can play at the NHL level. I think it would take Kopecky or Stahlberg getting traded for one of those 2 to crack the top 6, but I think it would be WAY to early to do that in the season for that to happen. With that being said, I think both those 2 start in Rockford - would be the smart move. They'll be needed before the years over.

 

[roshinaya]

There is no H in Stålberg. Where does it come from?

 

[Guest]

[quote name="roshinaya"]There is no H in Stålberg. Where does it come from?[/quote]



Where ever anyone wants to put it. If you want to teach English I'm sure there's an opening somewhere for you. It's the class right next to jumping off the bridge. I hear both are open and available.

 

[Pez68]

I don't think there's any reason for Stalberg to make the team over Morin or Makarov, but what do I know. I think both of them have outplayed him pretty drastically. I still think Potulny is a terrible skater, and I don't think he should make the team either. We'll see what happens. If Stalberg makes the team and Morin/Makarov don't, I'll have to believe there's some kind of ridiculous politics happening.

 

[Guest]

[quote name="Pez68"]I don't think there's any reason for Stalberg to make the team over Morin or Makarov, but what do I know. I think both of them have outplayed him pretty drastically. I still think Potulny is a terrible skater, and I don't think he should make the team either. We'll see what happens. If Stalberg makes the team and Morin/Makarov don't, I'll have to believe there's some kind of ridiculous politics happening.[/quote]



I have to agree with this from what I've seen of StaHlberg so far.

 

[E Runs]

[quote name="TJD"]

Makarov looked good. Discussed with my uncle and we both agreed he would be great with Bolland. Reminds us a bit of Havlat.[/quote]

Havlat with a ton of grit or Ruutu with more skill, take your pick.

 

[Guest]

[quote name="E Runs"]

Havlat with a ton of grit or Ruutu with more skill, take your pick.[/quote]



Both Havlat and Ruutu played so well given 9 minutes on the 4th line too.



I'm still annoyed by how he was used last night.

 

[E Runs]

[quote name="R K"]Morin has played two games, NONE of that he was on the 4th line. He was given plenty of PP time as well. Why does Makarov not get this luxury? Makarov plays his game on the 4th line, with absolutely NO PP time? Why?



Did Kopecky really need to play on the top line tonight? Would Makarov, a better skilled player, fit more appropriately there? I'm not the Coach but it sure appears like dirty politics to me. Anyone else have an explanation why the kid who looked the best in the rookie tourney, and at the start of camp in ALL the scrimmages, gets the shaft on the 4th line?



You know the same thing they've done with Skille every year until now? I don't get this bullshit way of development.



Why did Skille look good tonight. I'll tell you, because he was given 14 plus minutes on the ice and over 3 minutes of PP time. With more SKILLED players.[/quote]

I was wondering the same thing. I understand the vets need their time too but considering who the Wings iced I can't understand why Makarov was buried. And did Keith and Sharp really need all the PP time on the point? I was hoping they'd put Lalonde out there if for no other reason than to see how he handled it. Yeah, I know he got jocked pretty bad but I thought these early preseason games were to see what the kids have? Leddy was clearly overmatched at times in his games and didn't get ice taken away.



I don't want to put a tinfoil hat on but think about who's picks (Makarov, Lalonde) seem to not be getting a chance while the newly acquired prospects (Morin, Leddy) are. I'm not saying any one kid is better than the next (ok, Morin looks damn good) but how about giving everybody an equal shot?

 

[sonny]

[quote name="pmxc12873"]I know alot of people will dispute this, but Pisani may be as good as Ladd - but the difference is, Fernando can play the PK. Ladd was very steady 5 on 5...but not a bit special team guy. Nothing wrong with that at all, but Fernando can play the PK - very well. I think there's a stat where last year, in 92 PK chances he was on the ice for, he only was on the ice for 2 GA. I may be biased, I played college hockey with him (he was a freshman my senior year)...but a good player nonetheless.



I agree with Stahlberg not showing much, but it's going to take time with him and trying to find any chemistry with a line. It's just too early to think he may not "fit" or pan out. As far as I see...the lines will be something like -

Kopecky - Toews - Hossa

Stahlberg - Sharp - Kane

Pisani - Bolland - Brouwer

Bickell - Dowell - Skille

Potulny



(Players can be moved around for the right combo, but I think this is a pretty sound lineup)



I do think that Makarov or Morin can play at the NHL level. I think it would take Kopecky or Stahlberg getting traded for one of those 2 to crack the top 6, but I think it would be WAY to early to do that in the season for that to happen. With that being said, I think both those 2 start in Rockford - would be the smart move. They'll be needed before the years over.[/quote]







I like these lines better.....



Brouwer-Toews-Kane

Kopecky(or Skille)-Sharp-Hossa

Pisani-Bolland-Makarov

Bickell-Dowell (not impressed, but don't know who else it would be)-Skille (or Kopecky)



Don't like Stalberg at all so far, not sure he is good enough to be in the lineup.





Or if you are Q and for some reason you think its idiotic to play Kane and Toews together I guess you can go with these...



Kopecky-Toews-Hossa

Brouwer-Sharp-Kaner

Pisani-Bolland-Makarov (or Skille)

Bickell (or Stalberg)-Dowell - SKille (or Makarov)





I have a hard time leaving Makarov or Skille off. I think the team needs to find a way to keep them both.

 

[Guest]

Hell Kopecky got over 3 minutes on the PP. Why not put Makarov there? Better yet, you know what Kopecky brings, why not put him with the kids on the 4th and see what Makarov can do with JT and Hossa?



Why? I have a feeling it's political because that can be the ONLY reason by how Makarov performed in both the Rookie Tourney and Camp. What other explanation is there?



As for Lalonde, he's not ready. That was one of the worst defensive plays I've seen since Cullimore put one past Turco in game #1.

 

[E Runs]

[quote name="R K"]Hell Kopecky got over 3 minutes on the PP. Why not put Makarov there? Better yet, you know what Kopecky brings, why not put him with the kids on the 4th and see what Makarov can do with JT and Hossa?



Why? I have a feeling it's political because that can be the ONLY reason by how Makarov performed in both the Rookie Tourney and Camp. What other explanation is there?



As for Lalonde, he's not ready. That was one of the worst defensive plays I've seen since Cullimore put one past Turco in game #1.[/quote]

That's what I'm saying.



As far as Lalonde, I know he's not ready on the defensive side (game is moving too quick) but how about that outlet to spring Dowell, eh? Giving him :90 on the PP wouldn't have hurt.



Speaking of the PP, anyone notice how they started leaving one rover up top with 4 guys right at or below the circles?