I think we can attribute more of MAF"s improved numbers to King than just looking at HSC against. The whole defensive unit is playing better in front of him. I'm not necessarily taking anything away from MAF, but I think if Lankinen was playing more, you would see a similar improvement in him as well.

I actually would prefer to see more of Lankinen right now as opposed to MAF. With the improved D, he should be able to settle in a bit better. Maybe we could finally see his true potential.
- Chunk

No, sorry, Lankinen might become an acceptable #2, but he is not #1 material, unless you are looking at an Anti Niemi where he is #1 if you have a juggernaut in front of him.

No, sorry, Lankinen might become an acceptable #2, but he is not #1 material, unless you are looking at an Anti Niemi where he is #1 if you have a juggernaut in front of him.
- LAHawk

I wasn't saying that you'd see the same performance as MAF. Just that you'd see a notable improvement in his game as well.

Once the NFL stopped testing players without symptoms, the Covid issue was drastically reduced. Hopefully the same will happen with the NHL.

While this is certainly true, I don't think they are playing championship level defense in front of him. And the stat says Flower has the best 5-on-5 save percentage, not merely better than before. I think both are playing better, but Flower is carrying more of the load.

Trade him now!
- mohel

Agreed. I'm not being very clear today. MAF is playing better. I was just saying that it's not just the HDSC against that has improved.

GM Theo and good stuff!

As much as I'd like to see both Galvas and Reichel up, I think you're right in terms of letting them play big minutes in RFD, grow their game and continue building confidence.

Don't know how much you follow other team's prospects or if you checked out Wheeler's article in the Athletic (who had the Hawks at 26th), but...

a) Do you think that's a fair assessment?

b) He had Vlasic pretty low on his rankings. Lower than Del Mastro and a couple other dmen prospects. Any thoughts?
- HawkintheD

I read Wheeler's article and didn't agree with a lot of his assessments. Beaudin is getting close to being a bust so no way he's the 2nd best prospect in the system.

In the comments section of his article, when asked why Galvas wasn't in the top 20 prospects for the Hawks, Wheeler said Galvas is essentially AHL material and just doesn't see him thriving in the NHL. Couldn't disagree more.

Since he covers all NHL teams, it's assumed he can't watch every game that prospects play which is fair and realistic. But his assessments seem like they're based on game tape from the prospect's draft year and years prior.

As for Beaudin, he's just slow and passive. He will engage when the action is right next to him or the heat gets turned up along the boards or in the crease. Otherwise, he gets overpowered a lot. He's also not generating a lot of offense to make up for his defensive shortcomings.

On Vlasic, he should be rated higher than Del Mastro at least for now by virtue of when (year) and where (round) they were drafted. But who knows, in time once we see both of them in the pros, Del Mastro will prove to be the better prospect.

I also don't get all the hype for Harding. Sure, he could be a sleeper and he's still one to keep tabs on but I found it odd how the Hockey News and another news site had him in the Hawks top 10 of prospects (all positions, not just D).

https://www.tankathon.com/nhl

Hawks will need lady luck to really like them to get one of the 1st 2 slots.

Hell, the BJs have a better chance of getting the #1 and #3 picks this year.
- Rota's Rooter

Ha, I took a spin and the hawks came up first.

Chicago has a league-best .938 save percentage at 5-on-5 play since King took over. Of goalies who’ve played at least 250 minutes in that timeframe, Fleury’s individual save percentage at 5-on-5 play is .947 — No. 1 in the league.

This is from SCH, they sure would have a better chance at top two pick if MAF wasn’t around. The Hawks have also lowered their HSC against a little bit since King took over, but can’t ignore MAF’s numbers, they’re outstanding.
- Angotti

I guess everyone claiming Fluery was washed up and only good b/c he played for Vegas should recant.....

Hawks D is bad and Fluery is showing he is still a stud and deserved the Vezina last year. He's the best goalie in the league right now.

Ha, I took a spin and the hawks came up first.
- 6628

I'll give you $$$ to buy me lottery tickets.

WooHoo! NHL games during the Olympics.


Ben Pope
@BenPopeCST
·
18m
Seven Blackhawks games were just rescheduled by the NHL, filling in the February schedule. They are:

2/9 at Oilers
2/12 at Blues (moved from 1/30)
2/14 at Jets
2/17 vs Blue Jackets
2/18 vs Stars
2/20 vs Panthers (2pm matinee)
4/18 vs Flames

I dunno if I should be happy or sad as the number of second generation players continue into the 2022 draft:

Niedermayer. (Joshua)
Hejduk (Marek)
Kopecky (Jakub)
Knuble (Corey)
Havelid (Mattais)


And the best second get player is former nhlk Dave son, Jimmy Snggerund, whose a lanky amateur scorer who could be the real deal if his feet get more explosive, as he has the hands.

I have lots of ideas for that 2nd round pick b./c there WILL nice prospects in the mid second...


https://www.lines.com/nhl/drafts

I dunno if I should be happy or sad as the number of second generation players continue into the 2022 draft:

Niedermayer. (Joshua)
Hejduk (Marek)
Kopecky (Jakub)
Knuble (Corey)
Havelid (Mattais)

https://www.lines.com/nhl/drafts
- wiz1901

I feel old.

I read Wheeler's article and didn't agree with a lot of his assessments. Beaudin is getting close to being a bust so no way he's the 2nd best prospect in the system.

In the comments section of his article, when asked why Galvas wasn't in the top 20 prospects for the Hawks, Wheeler said Galvas is essentially AHL material and just doesn't see him thriving in the NHL. Couldn't disagree more.

Since he covers all NHL teams, it's assumed he can't watch every game that prospects play which is fair and realistic. But his assessments seem like they're based on game tape from the prospect's draft year and years prior.

As for Beaudin, he's just slow and passive. He will engage when the action is right next to him or the heat gets turned up along the boards or in the crease. Otherwise, he gets overpowered a lot. He's also not generating a lot of offense to make up for his defensive shortcomings.

On Vlasic, he should be rated higher than Del Mastro at least for now by virtue of when (year) and where (round) they were drafted. But who knows, in time once we see both of them in the pros, Del Mastro will prove to be the better prospect.

I also don't get all the hype for Harding. Sure, he could be a sleeper and he's still one to keep tabs on but I found it odd how the Hockey News and another news site had him in the Hawks top 10 of prospects (all positions, not just D).
- Theo Fox

Firstly for this reader the blog today is fantastic. My ears perk up when I see prospects are the subject especially in this era of Hawks Hockey. ...... When I read the context was in batches of 3's my very first thought was Phillips, Galvas and Allen.

Watched 2 games of Allan's last yr and am a fan. Think he has elite defensive IQ, +feet, +size and a nice edge to his game. Big fan even if they took him a rd or 2 early cuz I think he has an NHL shutdown ceiling and near certain bottom pairing floor. I like the swing they took on this guy...... Any offense he ever provides is icing on the cake. .... What is a big nasty stout Dman that can be slotted vs the best of the opposition who can rule the Dzone and the slot worth? ... You hit it with mentioning Hammer in comparison of what Allan MIGHT be, Theo? Unfair to expect anyone to have Hammer like career but Allan is a Hammer type Dman.

Was super impressed by Phillips. That was a 20 yr old kid drafted in rd 5, 6ft 3in 200+lbs that was moving like rush Dman the couple games he had with the Hawks. Emphasis on the kid being 20, that Dmen generally contribute at 23-24 and what we saw is far far from his ceiling. Instantly reminded me of NYR's K'Andre Miller. ..... Much longer shot than Allan but this tremendous athlete just might end up a Dumba type.

We all saw Galvas, another 5th rd pick. Couple shifts in anyone could see the poise, feet, and quick processing with that knee bend head up looking to move the thing now. Then you look him up, he was playing pro his draft yr, played in 2 WJC's for CZE, is in his 5th yr as a pro, is 22 yrs old and you say yea, I see why the kid looks like he does........ Kid has been developed properly and at 22, and depending on who gets moved in trades, he's in the Hawks lineup next yr.

Vlasic. Saw the kid live at 16 and 17. Didn't need a scouts eye to see his size and skating on a 28 man roster of the top players chosen from a population of 330 million........ I have seen him with BU since jrs and his skating, decision making, confidence, decisiveness has improved. No doubt at all. Like Allan any offense he provides is cake cuz this 6ft 6in 200lb kid who can skate with a 15 ft reach has real shut down skills.

This was written about him last yr: https://sites.bu.edu/wtbu...bus-split-with-no-2-1-bc/

As far as Wheeler he's the prospect writer for The Athletic in charge of evaluating for a draft. 32 teams, 7 rds means 224 kids will be drafted. How many kids do you watch film on, 300 kids to prepare a list of where each kid will be drafted? Then you're gonna watch NCAA, AHL, Europe pro and NHL closely enough on top of that to make reasonable evaluations? ........ Agree Theo, Wheeler was going of his predraft notes and Galvas is not being included in his evaluation of the Hawks pipeline is Exhibit A of that.

Again, really nice blog, Theo!

Firstly for this reader the blog today is fantastic. My ears perk up when I see prospects are the subject especially in this era of Hawks Hockey. ...... When I read the context was in batches of 3's my very first thought was Phillips, Galvas and Allen.

Watched 2 games of Allan's last yr and am a fan. Think he has elite defensive IQ, +feet, +size and a nice edge to his game. Big fan even if they took him a rd or 2 early cuz I think he has an NHL shutdown ceiling and near certain bottom pairing floor. I like the swing they took on this guy...... Any offense he ever provides is icing on the cake. .... What is a big nasty stout Dman that can be slotted vs the best of the opposition who can rule the Dzone and the slot worth? ... You hit it with mentioning Hammer in comparison of what Allan MIGHT be, Theo? Unfair to expect anyone to have Hammer like career but Allan is a Hammer type Dman.

Was super impressed by Phillips. That was a 20 yr old kid drafted in rd 5, 6ft 3in 200+lbs that was moving like rush Dman the couple games he had with the Hawks. Emphasis on the kid being 20, that Dmen generally contribute at 23-24 and what we saw is far far from his ceiling. Instantly reminded me of NYR's K'Andre Miller. ..... Much longer shot than Allan but this tremendous athlete just might end up a Dumba type.

We all saw Galvas, another 5th rd pick. Couple shifts in anyone could see the poise, feet, and quick processing with that knee bend head up looking to move the thing now. Then you look him up, he was playing pro his draft yr, played in 2 WJC's for CZE, is in his 5th yr as a pro, is 22 yrs old and you say yea, I see why the kid looks like he does........ Kid has been developed properly and at 22, and depending on who gets moved in trades, he's in the Hawks lineup next yr.

Vlasic. Saw the kid live at 16 and 17. Didn't need a scouts eye to see his size and skating on a 28 man roster of the top players chosen from a population of 330 million........ I have seen him with BU since jrs and his skating, decision making, confidence, decisiveness has improved. No doubt at all. Like Allan any offense he provides is cake cuz this 6ft 6in 200lb kid who can skate with a 15 ft reach has real shut down skills.

This was written about him last yr: https://sites.bu.edu/wtbu...bus-split-with-no-2-1-bc/

As far as Wheeler he's the prospect writer for The Athletic in charge of evaluating for a draft. 32 teams, 7 rds means 224 kids will be drafted. How many kids do you watch film on, 300 kids to prepare a list of where each kid will be drafted? Then you're gonna watch NCAA, AHL, Europe pro and NHL closely enough on top of that to make reasonable evaluations? ........ Agree Theo, Wheeler was going of his predraft notes and Galvas is not being included in his evaluation of the Hawks pipeline is Exhibit A of that.

Again, really nice blog, Theo!
- Mr Ricochet

Not sure if he is being put in a different position this year (more PP time?) but Allan is at about 0.5 PPG this year (2G, 15A in 33GP). Like you, I'm more interested in his defense, but the added offense is a nice touch.

Not sure if he is being put in a different position this year (more PP time?) but Allan is at about 0.5 PPG this year (2G, 15A in 33GP). Like you, I'm more interested in his defense, but the added offense is a nice touch.
- Chunk

I passed up a Prince Albert stream the other day, think they are strong enough they're considered Memorial Cup probables, but the next one I see I'll tune in to see Allan. ....... As impressed as I was by Allen's defense in those two full games I watched I was just as scared by his stick. Kid had problems completing 20 ft passes. I mean missing by 7 ft and he was unhurried.

I'm just looking for his puck skills to improve in the Dzone for purposes of exiting the zone. Unless he improves, and he's just 19, he'll have problems getting out of the Dzone at higher levels.

Firstly for this reader the blog today is fantastic. My ears perk up when I see prospects are the subject especially in this era of Hawks Hockey. ...... When I read the context was in batches of 3's my very first thought was Phillips, Galvas and Allen.

Watched 2 games of Allan's last yr and am a fan. Think he has elite defensive IQ, +feet, +size and a nice edge to his game. Big fan even if they took him a rd or 2 early cuz I think he has an NHL shutdown ceiling and near certain bottom pairing floor. I like the swing they took on this guy...... Any offense he ever provides is icing on the cake. .... What is a big nasty stout Dman that can be slotted vs the best of the opposition who can rule the Dzone and the slot worth? ... You hit it with mentioning Hammer in comparison of what Allan MIGHT be, Theo? Unfair to expect anyone to have Hammer like career but Allan is a Hammer type Dman.

Was super impressed by Phillips. That was a 20 yr old kid drafted in rd 5, 6ft 3in 200+lbs that was moving like rush Dman the couple games he had with the Hawks. Emphasis on the kid being 20, that Dmen generally contribute at 23-24 and what we saw is far far from his ceiling. Instantly reminded me of NYR's K'Andre Miller. ..... Much longer shot than Allan but this tremendous athlete just might end up a Dumba type.

We all saw Galvas, another 5th rd pick. Couple shifts in anyone could see the poise, feet, and quick processing with that knee bend head up looking to move the thing now. Then you look him up, he was playing pro his draft yr, played in 2 WJC's for CZE, is in his 5th yr as a pro, is 22 yrs old and you say yea, I see why the kid looks like he does........ Kid has been developed properly and at 22, and depending on who gets moved in trades, he's in the Hawks lineup next yr.

Vlasic. Saw the kid live at 16 and 17. Didn't need a scouts eye to see his size and skating on a 28 man roster of the top players chosen from a population of 330 million........ I have seen him with BU since jrs and his skating, decision making, confidence, decisiveness has improved. No doubt at all. Like Allan any offense he provides is cake cuz this 6ft 6in 200lb kid who can skate with a 15 ft reach has real shut down skills.

This was written about him last yr: https://sites.bu.edu/wtbu...bus-split-with-no-2-1-bc/

As far as Wheeler he's the prospect writer for The Athletic in charge of evaluating for a draft. 32 teams, 7 rds means 224 kids will be drafted. How many kids do you watch film on, 300 kids to prepare a list of where each kid will be drafted? Then you're gonna watch NCAA, AHL, Europe pro and NHL closely enough on top of that to make reasonable evaluations? ........ Agree Theo, Wheeler was going of his predraft notes and Galvas is not being included in his evaluation of the Hawks pipeline is Exhibit A of that.

Again, really nice blog, Theo!
- Mr Ricochet

Thanks, Rico, and good stuff with the eye you bring from watching a ton of junior games especially USHL.

Allan was a stretch in the 1st round as I was hoping the Hawks would draft him in the 2nd or 3rd round. At 30th overall, I was hoping the Hawks would have picked another D-man in Sean Behrens, Jack Peart, Vincent Iorio, or Olen Zellweger.

Water under the bridge now and I do like Allan a lot. Hjalmarsson as a comparable may not be far off in terms of style of play. Maybe a little more physicality than Hammer.

Galvas is someone who could be a hybrid of Hjalmarsson and Oduya minus serving up the pizzas like Johnny O.

Phillips and Vlasic have the raw talent, skating, and the size so they just need to leverage all of that into a well-rounded package. If they can add some snarl, then even better.

Firstly for this reader the blog today is fantastic. My ears perk up when I see prospects are the subject especially in this era of Hawks Hockey. ...... When I read the context was in batches of 3's my very first thought was Phillips, Galvas and Allen.

Watched 2 games of Allan's last yr and am a fan. Think he has elite defensive IQ, +feet, +size and a nice edge to his game. Big fan even if they took him a rd or 2 early cuz I think he has an NHL shutdown ceiling and near certain bottom pairing floor. I like the swing they took on this guy...... Any offense he ever provides is icing on the cake. .... What is a big nasty stout Dman that can be slotted vs the best of the opposition who can rule the Dzone and the slot worth? ... You hit it with mentioning Hammer in comparison of what Allan MIGHT be, Theo? Unfair to expect anyone to have Hammer like career but Allan is a Hammer type Dman.

Was super impressed by Phillips. That was a 20 yr old kid drafted in rd 5, 6ft 3in 200+lbs that was moving like rush Dman the couple games he had with the Hawks. Emphasis on the kid being 20, that Dmen generally contribute at 23-24 and what we saw is far far from his ceiling. Instantly reminded me of NYR's K'Andre Miller. ..... Much longer shot than Allan but this tremendous athlete just might end up a Dumba type.

We all saw Galvas, another 5th rd pick. Couple shifts in anyone could see the poise, feet, and quick processing with that knee bend head up looking to move the thing now. Then you look him up, he was playing pro his draft yr, played in 2 WJC's for CZE, is in his 5th yr as a pro, is 22 yrs old and you say yea, I see why the kid looks like he does........ Kid has been developed properly and at 22, and depending on who gets moved in trades, he's in the Hawks lineup next yr.

Vlasic. Saw the kid live at 16 and 17. Didn't need a scouts eye to see his size and skating on a 28 man roster of the top players chosen from a population of 330 million........ I have seen him with BU since jrs and his skating, decision making, confidence, decisiveness has improved. No doubt at all. Like Allan any offense he provides is cake cuz this 6ft 6in 200lb kid who can skate with a 15 ft reach has real shut down skills.

This was written about him last yr: https://sites.bu.edu/wtbu...bus-split-with-no-2-1-bc/

As far as Wheeler he's the prospect writer for The Athletic in charge of evaluating for a draft. 32 teams, 7 rds means 224 kids will be drafted. How many kids do you watch film on, 300 kids to prepare a list of where each kid will be drafted? Then you're gonna watch NCAA, AHL, Europe pro and NHL closely enough on top of that to make reasonable evaluations? ........ Agree Theo, Wheeler was going of his predraft notes and Galvas is not being included in his evaluation of the Hawks pipeline is Exhibit A of that.

Again, really nice blog, Theo!
- Mr Ricochet

I also mean no disrespect to Wheeler. I like his work overall and he's got a tough job analyzing prospects for all 32 NHL clubs. It's always fine to disagree. I'm sure if he ever read my stuff (ha!) that he would take issue with my prospect outlooks.

New blog! A look at the Blackhawks top 3 forward prospects in the AHL and top 3 in the rest of the system.

Plus, updates on rescheduled games and a shoutout to Stephen Johns.

#MentalMiles

https://bit.ly/3qLzhLq