I also thought that Kurashev had a good game, and Foligno is basically a fourth line guy on a good team, if they bring him back I hope it’s only for one year, if he wants two years, then see you later.
- Angotti

Hawks played a decent game overall against a good team. 2-1 game and then Mrazek lets up a few softies, took the wind right out of their sails. With the current roster on the ice, 3 goal deficits are just a complete no go.

Someone please explain the logic of bringing Megna in? He's a 31 year old journeyman with 140 or so games if NHL experience over 11 seasons. If you're gonna skate him sit Zaitsev or Tinordi not Phillips or Crevier.
- TheTrob

There was mention in the Powers article that he was brought in so that some of the young guys could get top minutes in the AHL instead of in and out with the Hawks.

Maybe LR thinks they are swimming too far in the deep end.

Maybe Nazar factors in to one of those top two lines. I know the forward prospects have been projected to show up later than sooner, say other than Nazar or possibly Dach already in RFD but will be interesting to see if someone surprises in camp.

Next season we should see more actual fwd prospects in RFD vs the Brent Seney type players who are essentially there to help fill out a roster.

Also, hoping at some point this season, Reichel starts to show some of what he did toward the end of last season.
- HawkintheD

The interesting thing with the forwards is they sometimes can step in a lot faster than expected. I think we'll see a few graduate through the system in the next year. Probably going to have 2-3 rookie forwards at the NHL level through the course of the season, and probably a few that move from Jr to the AHL.

4 World Jr Gold Medal winners now in the system

Bedard is getting so frustrated with not winning;The expression on his face last night said it all.

Sounds like you hate it when people misspell or mispronounce
- LFS

I'd characterise it more as if someone is paid to broadcast the NHL - that they say it is the NHL. Plus there wasn't a hell of a lot going on in the game -so it was a bit noticeable.

Bedard is getting so frustrated with not winning;The expression on his face last night said it all.
- Tatoo

Probably felt the same last year in Regina. This is a good thing. Don’t want him to get complacent.

4 World Jr Gold Medal winners now in the system
- vabeachbear

A dominating undefeated run thru the tournament. McKenzie had it right when he said "the US club is the best in the tournament by a country mile"........ Indeed.

Nazar and Moore were pretty quiet. Satisfied with Rinzel. Kid's excellent skating has gotten even better this yr moving up in class from USHL to the U of MN. Still a ways to go with him, it's between the ears where his problems are, so the reps in a high pressure international tournament are very valuable.

And good for Augustine. Fantastic tournament for the MI St true freshman. 3rd goalie taken last yr behind Gajan and Hrabal.

Probably felt the same last year in Regina. This is a good thing. Don’t want him to get complacent.
- Chunk

You know, this might be the first time ever Bedard truly has to trust the process. Up until now his freaky skill was the process for any team he played for.

4 World Jr Gold Medal winners now in the system
- vabeachbear

Yep nice to see

https://twitter.com/NHLBl...haMBzhGkHb7Hu2K_jjJw&s=19

When i see this picture, Moore looks like a man and when i saw Rinzel last year i thought then and even now, based on the base of his neck the kid is going to add some serious weight to his 6 foot 4 frame.

Yep nice to see

https://twitter.com/NHLBl...haMBzhGkHb7Hu2K_jjJw&s=19

When i see this picture, Moore looks like a man and when i saw Rinzel last year i thought then and even now, based on the base of his neck the kid is going to add some serious weight to his 6 foot 4 frame.
- BetweenTheDots

the most I've ever seen Nazar, get him up on Bedards line and he'll be an assist machine.

A dominating undefeated run thru the tournament. McKenzie had it right when he said "the US club is the best in the tournament by a country mile"........ Indeed.

Nazar and Moore were pretty quiet. Satisfied with Rinzel. Kid's excellent skating has gotten even better this yr moving up in class from USHL to the U of MN. Still a ways to go with him, it's between the ears where his problems are, so the reps in a high pressure international tournament are very valuable.

And good for Augustine. Fantastic tournament for the MI St true freshman. 3rd goalie taken last yr behind Gajan and Hrabal.
- Mr Ricochet

I think the US team was definitely the most talented team in the tournament but I don't think they really play a great team game. They clearly had more overall talent than the Swedes, but the Swedes hung around until the end and had plenty of real good scoring chances because they play much better as a team as opposed to a bunch of skilled individuals. Similar to the game against Finland, the US again, a much more skilled team from top to bottom of the roster, but the Fins with less talent play a better team game.

I think the US team was definitely the most talented team in the tournament but I don't think they really play a great team game. They clearly had more overall talent than the Swedes, but the Swedes hung around until the end and had plenty of real good scoring chances because they play much better as a team as opposed to a bunch of skilled individuals. Similar to the game against Finland, the US again, a much more skilled team from top to bottom of the roster, but the Fins with less talent play a better team game.
- TheTrob

Welcome to junior hockey, it’s all about talent, skill, passion and heart and less about systems and structure. Lots of mistakes but it’s a blast to watch.

Someone please explain the logic of bringing Megna in? He's a 31 year old journeyman with 140 or so games if NHL experience over 11 seasons. If you're gonna skate him sit Zaitsev or Tinordi not Phillips or Crevier.
- TheTrob

Looking further ahead, maybe they are lining up a D trade or two, so this would work to prevent them from dipping into the prospect pool should something happen.

Bedard is getting so frustrated with not winning;The expression on his face last night said it all.
- Tatoo

I wondered two games back if they wanted to press box him, purely to have him step back, re-energize a bit...but knowing him he wouldn't take it lightly (like it was a helpful move) and that he probably have to get skate in another arena while the game was taking place.

Sure, the most talented 18 year old kid is continuing to find that this aint the DUB, and these guys all are quick in someways, and that over shifting, or over pressing isn't going to become the miracle on Madison each game, especially as he hasn't suddenly grown stronger, faster by leaps and bounds after the draft.

He wants to play in all phases, especially as an offensive generator with his set-ups. We all know he is IS the shot, the big shot that needs to be in a position to utilize his shot and eventually teammates will settle in and understand his movements and be better at getting the puck to him.

Not much more can be done.
Maybe it is all me, my phony perception, but I thought the last two games he was hurting emotionally , not for any reason because he wants to win, as a team, and be a factor.

Looking further ahead, maybe they are lining up a D trade or two, so this would work to prevent them from dipping into the prospect pool should something happen.
- 333inthe3rd

I think they will keep all young defensemen until they can no longer bury them in the minors and they become players who need protecting.

They have time to get things gestate.

I think the US team was definitely the most talented team in the tournament but I don't think they really play a great team game. They clearly had more overall talent than the Swedes, but the Swedes hung around until the end and had plenty of real good scoring chances because they play much better as a team as opposed to a bunch of skilled individuals. Similar to the game against Finland, the US again, a much more skilled team from top to bottom of the roster, but the Fins with less talent play a better team game.
- TheTrob

T, I thought this was one of the better USA groups that did play as a team. The whole 1st line played 2 yrs NTDP and a yr+ NCAA as linemates. Bunch of kids from both MI and BC so there was plenty of familiarity. .... This team played a nose over the puck, no shortcuts, poised game despite their calling card being an off the rush squad. For playing a speed/skill game this group was tough. And they had a cycle game too!!

The D was the question. How would they do in their zone but the Dmen were stout and the forwards got back pretty well. I'd guess they played better than most of the experts thought acknowledging they gave up some grade a's but that's par for the course at this level.

Remember Q's treatment of Michael Kempny ? I think LR is giving Phillip's the same treatment, will be interesting to see him play in a different jersey next year.
- LAHawk

Easy now, brah. We have no idea what the plan is and how that was communicated to Phillips.... Hawks ain't blind. Phillips is a big rangy young kid who can skate and has reasonable offensive skills. ....... I'd bet most organIzations would find a spot for Phillips.

Best thing about Phillips is he's shown he can skate 3rd pairing minutes on a good team or you can send him to the AHL for more seasoning. ... Nice player with a solid floor and maybe even 2nd pairing ceiling.

https://www.bleachernatio...other-blackhawks-bullets/

Powers noted: “Blackhawks 2023 second-round pick Roman Kantserov recently signed a two-year contract with Metallurg and will remain in the KHL through at least the 2026-27 season. His contract was set to expire after this season.” Not ideal.

I think they will keep all young defensemen until they can no longer bury them in the minors and they become players who need protecting.

They have time to get things gestate.
- wiz1901

True, they have nothing but time right now. I wondered if Phillips ever gets out of the doghouse. Maybe someone is crazy enough to trade a fifth for Tinordi. Maybe they can finally move Murphy. But I can't imagine a scenario where someone takes Zaitsev. It would have to be the most insane market ever for defensemen for anybody to even begin to entertain that.

Stupid penalty, I'll never understand the Reese Johnson thing.

Stupid penalty, I'll never understand the Reese Johnson thing.
- vabeachbear

Yeah that’s a head scratcher. How he plays over Katchouk is a mystery, and I don’t even care for Katchouk that much.

Yeah that’s a head scratcher. How he plays over Katchouk is a mystery, and I don’t even care for Katchouk that much.
- Chunk

As bad as he is I’m guessing it’s because Johnson is willing to get involved. Too many guys on the team avoid physical contact at all costs.

As bad as he is I’m guessing it’s because Johnson is willing to get involved. Too many guys on the team avoid physical contact at all costs.
- paulr

Ding, ding, ding!

Hopefully Bedard is alright. He took a shot