Justin Lowe: It Was an IceHogs Kinda Weekend What a great start to the IceHogs 1st round of the Calder Cup Playoffs. They have a commanding lead on the Chicago Wolves (Vegas Golden Knights farm team) 2-0 in the series that is a best-of-5.

Thanks for sharing all the Icehogs info.

Interesting to see so many C on the Wing and the d-pairs.

The draft lottery is 5 days away, on the 28th.

Here's a recap of the best prospects and what they compare to: http://www.hockeybuzz.com...post_id=18641257#18641257

Seeing some Hughes talk on here, I think he's the 4th or 5th best dman available after Dahlin, Boqvist, Bouchard, and Dobson. Great skating and puck handling, but his smaller size creates more question marks about D abilities and transition to NHL size.

Thanks for sharing all the Icehogs info.

Interesting to see so many C on the Wing and the d-pairs.
- breadbag

That lineup in general looks pretty solid for an AHL team.

Some faces omitted due to reinforcements are Fortin, Samuelson, Norell, Knott. Each had played well but someone has to sit and the objective is the strongest line up. Colliton is charged with devising a game plan which had worked, albeit two games

You might imagine the first pair defense is comprised of two slow skaters. Their plus, however, is experience/smarts. To be sure, Franson was named as the team's best dman. He garnered 9 goals in his shortened season in the AHL but his best service might be unseen by fans. The cagey veteran helps the young kids!

Anyway, further observations include:

Pelletier claimed the 4th line role as the skill offensive guy who can provide a defensive effort. With L Johnson that is a defensive line. Would be interesting too knowing face off proficiency L Johnson, Kero and others. Pelletier is a second center playing wing ahead of Fortin ..
..my guess is his offensive ability stood out as Fortin was solid, overall, but never untracked offensively this season.

Notice on the third line Martinsen is the main muscle guy. Although Samuelson was productive, offensively and plays a rough style the last quarter of season, the balanced line up did not afford room for him or the similar Knott.

On line 1 the goal scorer Highmore is found. Doesn't matter how he scores them. In fact he is probably a real pain because the opposition doesn't view his skill level befitting his gaudy goals scored total.

Clendenning a star comes as no surprise. He has been passed over by others in at least three organizations. He is reknown as a good puck advance guy. Surely he wants to show he is worthy with all the dman prospects beginning to matriculate to Rockford.

You notice Norell and Snuggerud names omitted as Rayddsh given the nod. This i suspect is a reward for a solid first year and his physical approach must be so much more valuable than the offensive game from often injured Snuggerud and the Hjalmarsson light (?) Norell.

Altogether i like the line combinations, and i say this Hayden inclusive in his spot. Also, I have noticed Kero has some offensive capability at this AHL level.

I needed to edit this insofar as to not be remiss regarding the main scoring line #2 listed.

DiDomenico has better sizr, experience, results and is the best choice to play center for goal scoerers Luis and Ejdsell who shifts to wing. Luis has improved this season
in a couple of ways. He is a gamer and you can be sure he and Ejdsell are always on the Pp. The second line is i say their best scoring threat

Certainly not an offensive scary team by any stretch, their special teams have and hopefully will continue to lift them. Physical and defensively capable team with an experienced fairly strong blueline crew BUT too the goaltending has been good. Perhaps Pirri and Pulkinen can vandalize against a slow top pair. But i think Colliton manages them well and i pick the Icehogs to win it even if Wolves grab a couple victories.

I like that third line alot...

I like that third line alot...
- riozzo

How much do you like the line up that Colliton put together? Do you use Glass in game three? I believe i laid out the line up choice for all to pause and consider just what is the identity of the Icehogs.

And btw do you favor Dobson at #9 instead of Hughes one or two picks higher?

The draft lottery is 5 days away, on the 28th.

Here's a recap of the best prospects and what they compare to: http://www.hockeybuzz.com...post_id=18641257#18641257

Seeing some Hughes talk on here, I think he's the 4th or 5th best dman available after Dahlin, Boqvist, Bouchard, and Dobson. Great skating and puck handling, but his smaller size creates more question marks about D abilities and transition to NHL size.
- ObeseOprah

Isnt Boqvist smaller than Hughes? Why isn't his size an issue for him?

Thanks for sharing all the Icehogs info.

Interesting to see so many C on the Wing and the d-pairs.
- breadbag

Thank you Justin for the line up and for giving us more hockey to feed our appetite.

Bouma-Kampf-Highmore
Ejdsell-DiDomenico-Louis
Hayden-Sikura-Martinsen
Kero-Johnson-Pelletier

Svedberg-Franson
Dahlstrom-Clendening
Forsling-Raddysh

Delia

I could see that 3rd line being the Hawks 4th line, or even Kampf and Highmore being candidates to round out the 4th line. Hayden has the most potential to slot on a higher line. Wonder how Tyler Sikura is on draws?

If the Hawks look to free agency for 4th line candidates, consider re-signing Wingels or a signing a guy like Beagle. I know there would be a lot of fans who would hate the move, but Roussel is a guy I would kick the tires on this summer. Agitator who has skill to put up 15 goals/30-35 points from the bottom 6.

Delia is best being a starter in Rockford for a full year (starting next season) if not two full seasons then see where he is at as a potential full-time backup goalie. Then from there, see what he has at the NHL level to see if he could eventually be a #1 but I would be fine with a home-grown backup if that is his ceiling.

The draft lottery is 5 days away, on the 28th.

Here's a recap of the best prospects and what they compare to: http://www.hockeybuzz.com...post_id=18641257#18641257

Seeing some Hughes talk on here, I think he's the 4th or 5th best dman available after Dahlin, Boqvist, Bouchard, and Dobson. Great skating and puck handling, but his smaller size creates more question marks about D abilities and transition to NHL size.
- ObeseOprah

My preference is to take either Bouchard or Dobson if we are to draft a defenseman with the top pick. As others have pointed out, they have size, some grit, and better all around game. Bouchard has leadership capacity to boot.

We have rover/puck movers in the system already in prospects like Forsling, Jokiharju, Mitchell, and Krys. I would draft these type of blueliners with later picks in this year's draft. Jokiharju is the only first rounder in that group.

However, if Wahlstrom is still available when it's our turn to select, I'd take him. Tkachuk doesn't seem like an option unless we trade up to top 4.

Bouma-Kampf-Highmore
Ejdsell-DiDomenico-Louis
Hayden-Sikura-Martinsen
Kero-Johnson-Pelletier

Svedberg-Franson
Dahlstrom-Clendening
Forsling-Raddysh

Delia

I could see that 3rd line being the Hawks 4th line, or even Kampf and Highmore being candidates to round out the 4th line. Hayden has the most potential to slot on a higher line. Wonder how Tyler Sikura is on draws?

If the Hawks look to free agency for 4th line candidates, consider re-signing Wingels or a signing a guy like Beagle. I know there would be a lot of fans who would hate the move, but Roussel is a guy I would kick the tires on this summer. Agitator who has skill to put up 15 goals/30-35 points from the bottom 6.

Delia is best being a starter in Rockford for a full year (starting next season) if not two full seasons then see where he is at as a potential full-time backup goalie. Then from there, see what he has at the NHL level to see if he could eventually be a #1 but I would be fine with a home-grown backup if that is his ceiling.
- AEL_Fox

If Roussel gets signed and he is in Hawks’ locker-room better hope no Hawks have flashbacks.

How much do you like the line up that Colliton put together? Do you use Glass in game three? I believe i laid out the line up choice for all to pause and consider just what is the identity of the Icehogs.

And btw do you favor Dobson at #9 instead of Hughes one or two picks higher?
- jhawk59

Your asking the wrong person. Wiz (currently banned) is the draft expert.

If Roussel gets signed and he is in Hawks’ locker-room better hope no Hawks have flashbacks.
- Z3Hawk

Just invite Shaw back for a day to set Roussel straight then all will be good.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJdTV4qg_Kk

Just invite Shaw back for a day to set Roussel straight then all will be good.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJdTV4qg_Kk
- AEL_Fox

Actually Roussel is quite willing to back up his actions as an agitator. On a decent contract I would not mind him in our lineup. I witnessed too many games this past year (esp in the latter part) when this team showed zero emotion.

Your asking the wrong person. Wiz (currently banned) is the draft expert.
- riozzo

Wiz got banned? really? WOW.

yeah, the Rockford stuff doesn't do much for me. Are any of these guys going to be difference makers for this team? Not sure, odds are probably not, and if the succeed the fear is Bowman feels he has LEGIT answers down on the farm to fix what ails his varsity team.

Getting back to Panarin.....If you go back and check his stats vs STL and Nash he was right there with the wonder twins for production....so the knock on how "he didnt' anything in the playoffs"" isn't valid.

As far as the Kane hate goes, I dont' know what to say. Best player in this organization since Roenick.

Sorry for the dead link: https://bit.ly/2FagmP2
That one should work^^^

Boqvist is only 1 inch taller than Hughes, so you're right that it's likely unfair to question Hughes while lauding Boqvist. However, I think that Boqvist will go much higher than Hughes, and rightfully so.

Boqvist would be THE defenseman of the draft if Dahlin did not exist, and then you'd have the trio of Dobson, Hughes, Bouchard. Dobson and Bouchard are both sturdier sizes, while Hughes relies on skating and IQ for effectiveness.

If I had the choice of drafting Hughes or trading up a few picks to nab Boqvist, I'd be willing to sacrifice a bit to get Boqvist. His talent is that exciting.

Wiz got banned? really? WOW.

yeah, the Rockford stuff doesn't do much for me. Are any of these guys going to be difference makers for this team? Not sure, odds are probably not, and if the succeed the fear is Bowman feels he has LEGIT answers down on the farm to fix what ails his varsity team.

Getting back to Panarin.....If you go back and check his stats vs STL and Nash he was right there with the wonder twins for production....so the knock on how "he didnt' anything in the playoffs"" isn't valid.

As far as the Kane hate goes, I dont' know what to say. Best player in this organization since Roenick.
- SteveRain

Yeah the Wiz thing sucks for sure.

Agree with Kane. I think this whole roster needs an enema...

Wiz got banned? really? WOW.

yeah, the Rockford stuff doesn't do much for me. Are any of these guys going to be difference makers for this team? Not sure, odds are probably not, and if the succeed the fear is Bowman feels he has LEGIT answers down on the farm to fix what ails his varsity team.

Getting back to Panarin.....If you go back and check his stats vs STL and Nash he was right there with the wonder twins for production....so the knock on how "he didnt' anything in the playoffs"" isn't valid.

As far as the Kane hate goes, I dont' know what to say. Best player in this organization since Roenick.
- SteveRain

But at least some of the Rockfishers will have at least some role in Chicago - some/most/all of Kamph, Hayden, Forsling, maybe Ejdsell, maybe Martinsen - nice for them to get some "pressure hockey" at the pro level.

Justin, how has Ejdsell looked?

Bouma-Kampf-Highmore
Ejdsell-DiDomenico-Louis
Hayden-Sikura-Martinsen
Kero-Johnson-Pelletier

Svedberg-Franson
Dahlstrom-Clendening
Forsling-Raddysh

Delia

I could see that 3rd line being the Hawks 4th line, or even Kampf and Highmore being candidates to round out the 4th line. Hayden has the most potential to slot on a higher line. Wonder how Tyler Sikura is on draws?

If the Hawks look to free agency for 4th line candidates, consider re-signing Wingels or a signing a guy like Beagle. I know there would be a lot of fans who would hate the move, but Roussel is a guy I would kick the tires on this summer. Agitator who has skill to put up 15 goals/30-35 points from the bottom 6.

Delia is best being a starter in Rockford for a full year (starting next season) if not two full seasons then see where he is at as a potential full-time backup goalie. Then from there, see what he has at the NHL level to see if he could eventually be a #1 but I would be fine with a home-grown backup if that is his ceiling.
- AEL_Fox

Fox,

Great post! I have lived here in Dallas for a year and a half and while never being a fan of Roussel, he has attributes that would help this club quite a bit. But he just cant be relied upon to consistently play hockey the right way. It would be like a Carcillo o Tootoo experiment which we didnt see many dividends from. Beagle and Wingels would be fantastic bottom 6 signings!

If Roussel gets signed and he is in Hawks’ locker-room better hope no Hawks have flashbacks.
- Z3Hawk

I second that signing in a heartbeat!

Boqvist is an inch taller, but 10 lbs lighter than Hughes. Neither is likely to make the NHL next year. The games I saw Hughes in, he dominated. I'd be shocked if Detroit passed on Hughes, but if they do, it'd likely be for Boqvist; they're taking one of the two. The guy I heard Vancouver wants, should they not move up, is Noah Dobson, so it is plausible that one of Boqvist or Hughes would be there for the Hawks. If Wahlstrom is there for the Hawks, that's who I'd take. They could then draft either KAndre Miller or Adam Binning, two big physical Dmen, who should be drafted around the end of the first round. Either would complement Jokiharju's game well. Like last year's draft, there should be some good players available when the Hawks draft with the Nashville pick.

The draft lottery is 5 days away, on the 28th.

Here's a recap of the best prospects and what they compare to: http://www.hockeybuzz.com...post_id=18641257#18641257

Seeing some Hughes talk on here, I think he's the 4th or 5th best dman available after Dahlin, Boqvist, Bouchard, and Dobson. Great skating and puck handling, but his smaller size creates more question marks about D abilities and transition to NHL size.
- ObeseOprah

Agreed on your draft thoughts here. Wiz has his first 80 picks up but u have to click on name to read profile. He reminds that if Nashville looses to Jets our second #1 is at #27. There is good value in picks 27 - 33, Bill added.

One heckuva series. Would like to see if there is divergence of opinion whom you pick to win that series. Justin? Darth Kane, you watch a lot of NHL. Rick has touted Winnipeg all year. BOTH ARE DEEP
Nashville Hartman takes undisciplined penalty, Jets win series? Or Hellybuck inconsistent? Br Lemieux playing AHL playoffs. I cannot get the idea out of mind, Crawford comes back strong can we trade him. 35 yr old (?), to Jets for agitator Lemieux. Lemieux has size; can he fight well if he needs to? Can we possibly induce Chevaldayoff to exchange his first (late) for our 2nd round (early) at 2019 trade deadline. Crawford could lead Jets to a Cup. Makes sense.....if not, go ahead and criticize. A rebuilding Blackhawks can benefit from the earliest picks, not mid round because Crawford stole some games. If it is final year of Crawford contract, he might accept trade insofar as to win another Cup.

Sorry for the dead link: https://bit.ly/2FagmP2
That one should work^^^

Boqvist is only 1 inch taller than Hughes, so you're right that it's likely unfair to question Hughes while lauding Boqvist. However, I think that Boqvist will go much higher than Hughes, and rightfully so.

Boqvist would be THE defenseman of the draft if Dahlin did not exist, and then you'd have the trio of Dobson, Hughes, Bouchard. Dobson and Bouchard are both sturdier sizes, while Hughes relies on skating and IQ for effectiveness.

If I had the choice of drafting Hughes or trading up a few picks to nab Boqvist, I'd be willing to sacrifice a bit to get Boqvist. His talent is that exciting.
- ObeseOprah

Agreed again