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

[sth]

Bickell also showed a lot last year. Skille has to be up there. Marakrov was still noticeable even playing on the 4th line. Stallberg was invisible. Much like his whole career. it seems dumb to not give someone who looks so good in scrimmages some more playing time.

 

[Guest]

[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]



I'm a bit worried that if they put Makarov in Rockford to start the season, he may jet back to the KHL as that was the main reason he came over here was he figured he'd get a shot on the big club and so far he only was given 10 shifts all last night.



IF Morin or Makarov stay with the Hawks it better be as a 2nd liner as I don't want to see them play 10 shifts a night when they could be getting triple that in Rockford.

 

[Guest]

Also, my Uncle and I were both surprised that the Hawks didn't do a moment of silence for Probie before the game. Maybe the home opener against the wangs?

 

[Guest]

[quote name="TJD"]



I'm a bit worried that if they put Makarov in Rockford to start the season, he may jet back to the KHL as that was the main reason he came over here was he figured he'd get a shot on the big club and so far he only was given 10 shifts all last night.



IF Morin or Makarov stay with the Hawks it better be as a 2nd liner as I don't want to see them play 10 shifts a night when they could be getting triple that in Rockford.[/quote]



Makarov has already stated several times he's here no matter what. So that I'm not worried about. His development, I am. Assuming his "chance" to make the team is what he received last night. Which was complete bullshit.



I doubt they do a moment of silence on Banner night but who knows.

 

[bri]

So did anyone else get sent down besides Lalonde and DiDomenico?

 

[nana]

Brophey & Taffe are on waivers along with Huet.

 

[bookjones]

[quote name="R K"]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?[/quote]



Okay, okay. . .seasoning or rubles or a combination of both, you get my drift, LOL!



But seriously as to the Head Bitches In Charge, you really think they could still be pissy about him deciding to go back to Russia two years ago? If so, that's some straight-up bullshit. Period. So then they'll give lip service to the contrary but really be pissed and not give a real shot to Kruger some day because he keeps choosing to stay in Sweden and play in the SEL? Because their situations are not dissimilar.



Now that I have just read everyone's responses from this morning I have to say I think the poster who speculated that there might be residual pissyness about WHO picked Makarov (and Lalonde) is an angle I never really thought of but then could it really be that when really the whole SC team was crafted by Tallon? I guess that *could* be fueling it because really I don't have any fucking logical reason why the team wouldn't be high on Makarov and be championing turning him into a success. Really, I just don't know but I do know that know my head fucking hurts and I am seeing red after all this bs because it's all kind of bummed me out thinking that Igor might get the shaft---I have been waiting patiently to finally see him make the team at some point and then either succeed or fail on his own merits or demerits.

 

[E Runs]

[quote name="bookjones"]

Now that I have just read everyone's responses from this morning I have to say I think the poster who speculated that there might be residual pissyness about WHO picked Makarov (and Lalonde) is an angle I never really thought of but then could it really be that when really the whole SC team was crafted by Tallon? I guess that *could* be fueling it because really I don't have any fucking logical reason why the team wouldn't be high on Makarov and be championing turning him into a success. Really, I just don't know but I do know that know my head fucking hurts and I am seeing red after all this bs because it's all kind of bummed me out thinking that Igor might get the shaft---I have been waiting patiently to finally see him make the team at some point and then either succeed or fail on his own merits or demerits.[/quote]

That was me and thinking about it now with a clearer head it could also be a case of Stan wanting to see "his" guys excel. Honestly I'm grasping at straws with the theory because, like yourself, I can't think of any logical reasoning.

 

[bookjones]

[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]



Frankly, I am gonna hella pissed if fucking Potulny makes the team over Makarov. For reals! I wish I could say that I've seen anything more than the blazing wheels so far from Stalberg but I haven't. Nevertheless, I don't think there's anyway they start Viktor in Rockford---IMO, there's just been way too much hype given to the masses since June about how Stalberg was the piece we got in the Versteeg deal. Eh, who the hell knows what these bastards are gonna do.

 

[PatrickShart]

I think its getting blown extremely out of proportion here assuming someone is getting the shaft here.



Lets put just a little faith in an experienced coaching staff, that by the way just won the Stanley Cup, in putting the best team on the ice.



Lets not forget that chances are, there will be injuries and opportunities over the next, oh....7-8 months of the season. Last year alone - Campbell, Eager, Burish, Hossa, Toews and Bolland all missed significant time.



Hawks are about 1mil under the cap so if Morin and Makarov or whoever get sent down, they'll have plenty of room to pull them up at some point.

 

[The Count Dante]

I would like it if every time Turco gets an assist the Harlem Globetrotters music played...

 

[Guest]

[quote name="pmxc12873"]I think its getting blown extremely out of proportion here assuming someone is getting the shaft here.



Lets put just a little faith in an experienced coaching staff, that by the way just won the Stanley Cup, in putting the best team on the ice.



Lets not forget that chances are, there will be injuries and opportunities over the next, oh....7-8 months of the season. Last year alone - Campbell, Eager, Burish, Hossa, Toews and Bolland all missed significant time.



Hawks are about 1mil under the cap so if Morin and Makarov or whoever get sent down, they'll have plenty of room to pull them up at some point.[/quote]





Sorry man Camp is a time to watch the kids. Kopecky on the first line with JT and Hossa is not utilizing Camp while throwing Makarov on the 4th line with two other rookies, giving him 9 minutes of ice time and no PP time.



I'm not blowing anything out of proportion. They had Makarov slated for Rockford, right along with Beach, long before Camp started. I'd put money on it.

 

[bookjones]

[quote name="THe Count Dante"]I would like it if every time Turco gets an assist the Harlem Globetrotters music played...[/quote]



Ha!



I swear I was thinking last night when Turco made the sweet pass that all of a sudden a tsunami-size mass wave of man-crushing was sweeping over the city and that they should all be careful because "The Count Dante might have to cut a *****" if they got too fresh in their Marty love.

 

[PatrickShart]

Lets not write Stalberg off people. He's going to get first crack because he's played 1 year of pro Hockey already and had very good speed and 9g in 40gms.



I'd rather Makarov/Morin start in the AHL rather than Poltuny, Dowell, Bickell...or any other 4th liners that will see spot duty - 8-9min a game. Both those guys should be PP guys. But with Toews, Kane, Sharp, Hossa....prob Brouwer/Kopecky (Bickell as well?) - who both sit in front of the net very well....where would those 2 get the PP time?

 

[PatrickShart]

Camp time is just as important for Vets, too. I think they'd like to get some chemistry playing together. It was the first game Stalberg ever played with Kane and Sharp - early there wasnt much, but by the 3rd I thought they looked good.



I think the penalties hurt the players times too. I think (not sure) that the Hawks had 3 penalties in the first period, where Makarov only played like 3min that period.



Igor played alot more in the 3rd. I dont think he's written off - just prob won't break camp with the team. I thought in Winnepeg, they put him and Morin with Toews, and the team was very pleased with him.



I guess we just have different philosophies with that. I just dont buy the whole "conspiracy" that the team is out to screw him, Beach, Lalonde, etc. (Not that you said that RK).

 

[Guest]

I don't think it's a conspiracy other than they had their minds up with certain players long before Camp started.



I really wish I could watch the Winnipeg game again.

 

[PatrickShart]

Those 3 played well - I think JT's goal was from 2 drop passes from Igor to Morin (and TB did dress quite a bit of reg's)



My thought on camp was the rookies had to "turn heads" and they usually dont get much of a look/chance when trying to crack a very talented team, like the Hawks are. Especially the fact that Morin and Igor should be top 6 players - and the Hawks top 6 is as good as it gets in the entire NHL.



I think those 2 are locks to be up with the club before all's said and done. IMO, they both have outplayed Beach. (Now all I have to go by that is by watching 3 preseason games). As far as D....I think Connelly and Leddy both looked better than Lalonde (who's only had 1gm, and I'm sure there were jitters at home). But there's no immediate need to put any of those guys in there and definately I dont think they're written off.

 

[BiscuitintheBasket]

[quote name="bookjones"]



Did your little niece have a blast seeing her boy Kane in live action?[/quote]





She did. And Kane put on a pretty good show.

 

[bookjones]

[quote name="pmxc12873"]Lets not write Stalberg off people. He's going to get first crack because he's played 1 year of pro Hockey already and had very good speed and 9g in 40gms.



I'd rather Makarov/Morin start in the AHL rather than Poltuny, Dowell, Bickell...or any other 4th liners that will see spot duty - 8-9min a game. Both those guys should be PP guys. But with Toews, Kane, Sharp, Hossa....prob Brouwer/Kopecky (Bickell as well?) - who both sit in front of the net very well....where would those 2 get the PP time?[/quote]



I haven't written Stalberg off. At all. He's absolutely one of the players I was most anxiously looking forward to seeing all summer after only being able to see glimpses of his game on YouTube. I love, love, LOVE the speed and it's as impressive as the hype proclaimed. Nevertheless, I don't think that as of yet he's been anything special out there. Speedy yes. I am hoping in the remaining 4 exhibition games that he does *something* productive out there to make his presence known out on the ice. His success at Vermont and even in the few goals scored for TOR last season leave me with sufficient belief that he could elevate his game if he plays with some skilled players and shrug off his TOR detractors who say that he's blazing fast but doesn't have the hands or finish to keep up with the speed. Trust me, I ONLY want this kid to succeed---it's not every day your teams lands a guy who is likely one of the 10 fastest skaters in the entire league.

 

[BiscuitintheBasket]

[quote name="R K"]Honestly I just don't know where everyone that has the skills/tools fits.



Personally I don't like Kopecky on that top line. I don't think his skill set, 100% of the time, fits there. He has moments, but the total package is not there. Does Morin fit there? Can he assume the role and kick kopecky down to the 4th?



Second line you have Sharp-Kane. Who plays on the other side? Is Makarov a fit there? Pisani, Skille?



I think it's a great problem to have because it means we still have massive depth. But they are extremely difficult decisions to make.



Skille-Potulny-Pisani was clearly the best line tonight. But Potulny would most like knock Dowell out, who also had a very good game. Or it allows them to bump C up and move Sharp back to Wing.



And yes Makarov hits HARD. No doubt about it.[/quote]





From what I have seen I think that Makarov can be on either of the top two lines. Perhaps with Toews as they both could be forechecking machines with great offensive sense to play off each other and Hossa. Though Sharp-Kane-Makarov would be very intriguing as well.



Skille is definitely making the case to be on either of those lines as well. It was nice seeing him use his size last night.



Pisani might be best on the 3rd or 4th line. Since Pisani can skate well and has decent offensive sense, he might be best on the 3rd line with Bolland (assuming they do not try to move Bolland to the 2nd line).



Morin, with as good as he as looked, just might end up being the odd man out with the way Dowell, Potulny, Bickell, and Skille have played. Not that sending him down would be a bad thing, but, man, does Morin seem every ready for the NHL.



Stalhberg should be sent down before Tuesday...unless they want to give him another look.



Oh man does the depth look good. I had no worries coming into this season that what was lost was not replaced, but these guys seem very more capable to replace what departed. Good thoughts.