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Kane Doesn't Play Like A Junior And Roster Cuts |
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Some quick thoughts for the weekend…
For those wanting to anticipate who will make the team, just do one simple thing. All that is needed is to watch the ice time. Richmond playing about 4 minutes last night, and Blunden only playing about 10 minutes on Thursday means that they are up against it to make the Club. There is only so much ice time to go around and only so many chances for the many young players that are still here. Savard will give the opportunity to those that have impressed him, and the others will not be around for very long.
Kane looked outstanding last night, as I listened and watched the highlights. He impressed me with his creativity and his feel for the game. He was in the right position to score, and he knew when to pass. With time winding down in the 3rd period many players with much more experience would have forced a bad angle shot on goal. Kane saw that 2 players were on him as he drifted away from the net and then passed down low where the Hawks had numbers. The result was a nice play by Samsonov and a Havlat goal. That was so refreshing to see, and I don’t just mean because it resulted in a goal. That is smart hockey, which resulted in a good goal scoring chance. I can’t see how Kane will be sent back to JR's. if his performances are any where near last nights excellent effort.
Adam Burish who I always have liked was impressive also. He reminds me of a Sutter brother, he plays with that grit and determination. The way he accepted a pass at the Blue Line and spun to go in on a breakaway was pretty to see. What also was very impressive is that he got a good goalie to commit first and did bury the shot. Who knows maybe his goal scoring productivity will better resemble Brian Sutter. Unless Tallon makes a trade or 2 soon, Burish will have a tough time being here on opening night, unless there are injuries. Players like Burish, Skille, Brouwer and Bolland can force Tallon’s hand somewhat. He does not want to go into this season without the best possible team and especially the best offensive players. So the next few games will be telling, and as I said earlier watch the ice time for the young guys.
Lalime has some work to do going from side to side in the net, hopefully he will be able to tighten things up soon. If not we will be seeing those same plays night after night and goal after goal when he is in the net.
Sharp had 5 more shots on goal last night and 0 points. I am hoping that he can develop a goal scoring touch, I am also hoping he doesn’t become this years Radim Vrbata.
Dowell was 11 for 13 at the Dot, very impressive to say the least.
The Hawks still look powerless on the Power Play, a lot of work to do there. They have to start getting more players in front of the goal, as that has been a problem here for years. One thing that has improved is the total amount of shots on goal. Now the next step is to get more traffic to the net which will result in more goals.
All in all there was a lot of good things to see on the ice last night. Smart plays and good hockey, very refreshing indeed.
I am not shocked by anyone who was cut today, although I did think they would wait until after Sunday's game to trim the roster. This is how it looks to me, Toews will be here but won't play the 1st 10 days or so. Koci makes the team and then 1 or 2 from this group; Burish, Skille, Dowell or Kontiola. Most likely Burish, Skille and Koci rotate to start the season, until Toews comes back. That is one scenario.
When Toews arrives on the scene that will mean that Burish or Skille or both will go to Rockford unless a trade is swung. By a trade happening I mean a player who is currently on a 1-way contract being dealt for a draft choice or a young prospect.
To start the year the defense will be Keith, if healthy by then and Seabrook. Wiz, Vandy, Zyuzin and I believe Johansson will also be here. Buff did not look good the other night so right now that leaves Barker, who also hasn't had a great camp either. Richmond will be in Rockford most likely. Tallon could choose to use him in a trade, as I think they believe he and Buff are still not ready yet.
They could keep an extra forward when Toews gets back, which would be good for Skille and Burish or whoever. They may elect to do that if Barker doesn't impress them in the coming games.
If Burish and Skille make the most out of their opportunity this week they might be able to make it, as the Hawks would then only carry 6 defensemen. Right now I think that is most likely as Koci can be spotted in and out of the lineup. That strategy may make the most sense as long as the younger guys can get enough ice time.
Savard will now have an easier time getting playing time for everyone and can really scrutinize his final selections.
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