Did anyone really expect him to be more than that?
- Elbows15

I did, after his World Junior performance. I thought his ceiling was 3C. I did not realize just how bad his hands are, but I still like when he's running around causing havoc in the offensive zone.

Let's temper our enthusiasm. We have played some really bad teams recently. Bedard is great. Kurashev is decent, but I am not sold on him being a 1st line player.
Looking at next year. You have Bedard as a top line player. Hall a top six. Kurashev and AA middle six. Richardinson Foligno 3rd liners. Donato a bottom six. After that we are guessing. Reichel will get another look, and like Kurashev may develop into a good player. He will only be 22 next season. They will have a top 4 pick that might make the team. I imagine they invest in a middle six player with potential.
- Ztra

He's 18 years old doing this against NHL pros. As he gets better and stronger he's going to to make everyone around him even better.

As far as top line player, yea those guys are rare but the good news is if you have two top 6 lines that's a better start then where we are right now.

I'm very excited.

Tonight was his 250th career game. Maybe that means something regarding his game of late.
- boilermaker100

For sure, Game 250 is a benchmark in the Dobber fantasy world. His 20+ yr data shows if a player is gonna pop it happens around 250 GP for average sized players. Game 400 for the big dudes.

For me Kurashev and Vlasic, besides Bedard of course, have been the best Hawks. After his big night Kurashev is back up to a 56 pt pace, same as it was before The Kid went down. ... BUT, remember that's with L1 minutes, 3:02 PP time and 64% of all available PP time.

When he is slotted correctly he won't be getting those prime minutes so his pts will go down, but with experience he does look like a very very good 3trd liner and could hit 50 pts annually with 16:00 TOI and 2nd unit PP time. https://frozenpool.dobber.../players/philipp-kurashev

For sure, Game 250 is a benchmark in the Dobber fantasy world. His 20+ yr data shows if a player is gonna pop it happens around 250 GP for average sized players. Game 400 for the big dudes.

For me Kurashev and Vlasic, besides Bedard of course, have been the best Hawks. After his big night Kurashev is back up to a 56 pt pace, same as it was before The Kid went down. ... BUT, remember that's with L1 minutes, 3:02 PP time and 64% of all available PP time.

When he is slotted correctly he won't be getting those prime minutes so his pts will go down, but with experience he does look like a very very good 3trd liner and could hit 50 pts annually with 16:00 TOI and 2nd unit PP time. https://frozenpool.dobber.../players/philipp-kurashev
- Mr Ricochet

Before the season started I thought Raddysh would have been the player to take the next step in their evolution and Kurashev would struggle. #23 has far exceeded any expectations I had for him (or Raddysh).

What i noticed, realized the past 4 or 5 games, especially the last 2, Korchinski does not appear to be playing positionally like a robot, he's flowing from spot to spot now, one play last night where i thought he's playing more now, along the boards behind his net the puck bounces over his stick to the forward opposite him, he spins around gets behind the forward and pins him along the boards in what seemed like a split second, very athletic kid, Blackhawk forward comes over grabs the puck and the puck is going the other way.

The awful pass to Kurashev on the PP was another thing but i hope they continue to give him more minutes playing the point, he did the right thing taking away the pass it was just a really nice shot by the forward

Bedsy watching Kurashev from the press box showed him Kurashev's tendencies. Since Bedsy came back form injury him and Kurashev have been on most nights
- wizardofi

A really good point and if you said Bedard's busted up face requiring tiime off was a blessing in disguise. ...... To my eye first couple shifts in his first game back, v PITT IIRC, kid was entering, faced 4 Pens, and without thought a beauty soft dump away from the goalie.

Kid took inventory of his game while out and for sure noticed things in Kurashev's game, and others I'm sure, to feed and work off of...... Bedard is a pure rink rat. Give him that much time off and he'll find a way to work on his game. In fact I would not be surprised if he obsesses on face offs and comes back near 50% next yr.

I'd also add that to my eye LR made an adjustment with Bedard since he returned. In the D zone he's taking on winger responsibilities and is up near the blueline charged with marking a Dman not down low doing the toughest of centerman's responsibilities, fighting beasts in the slot. This frees the kid up in a lotta ways but how sustainable that is I don't know as I'm not sure I've ever seen this ....... Although I have not seen anyone in print, podcasts, game calls, intermission reports on HNIC mention this my eyes see the kid at the blueline in his Dzone so often it can't be anything other than he's performing winger's duties in his zone.

Back of your mind you kind of sort of…you know…..could this happen again? If it does then strong down the middle with Celebrini #2 center is the best way to start. A tier one top center or top dman, right!

I am guessing that Kk and Vlasic are solid top two pair type. I hope and will predict that Del Mastro becomes a solid pair two Kaiser is the offensive guy in pair three. Phillips. Crevier anyone else battles for third pair Rinzal might become good enough for top two pairs but when is that? Two three or more years away. So if our draft slot round one is not so good maybe instead of the next best forward KD likes…he opts for a. Dman? Obviously a dman with ceiling for top two pairings
- jhawk59

Best available from their list and if they have a log jam at a position they can trade from strength.

Seen 2 things I never thought I'd ever see.

1- I believe I actually saw the puck frozen on the boards and then a faceoff -that was positively shocking...

2 - Ok, the wave???? Did someone forget to send the crowds a memo - Chicago crowds -NEVER- did the wave; in fact that was a point of pride. Crowds at Mets' or Cards' games did that stunty crap. To be sure, and I think it was at a club game at U of I in the mid 80's - when their smallish crowd did the wave, and I was the only guy in a section --- I got booed for not joining their wave. I considered it to be 'St Louisy' ... I stand by that. . .

Bonus points- so they shifted the overly enthusiastic 12 year old school girl, to a (still too enthusiastic) 15 year old guy. Can't the AI just come up with a Harvey Wittenberg-esque type voice? That guy had... gravitas.
- SC116

Even better, just play old tapes of Harvey calling goals. I wouldn't even care if the players names don't match. To hear his voice again would be awesome!

A really good point and if you said Bedard's busted up face requiring tiime off was a blessing in disguise. ...... To my eye first couple shifts in his first game back, v PITT IIRC, kid was entering, faced 4 Pens, and without thought a beauty soft dump away from the goalie.

Kid took inventory of his game while out and for sure noticed things in Kurashev's game, and others I'm sure, to feed and work off of...... Bedard is a pure rink rat. Give him that much time off and he'll find a way to work on his game. In fact I would not be surprised if he obsesses on face offs and comes back near 50% next yr.

I'd also add that to my eye LR made an adjustment with Bedard since he returned. In the D zone he's taking on winger responsibilities and is up near the blueline charged with marking a Dman not down low doing the toughest of centerman's responsibilities, fighting beasts in the slot. This frees the kid up in a lotta ways but how sustainable that is I don't know as I'm not sure I've ever seen this ....... Although I have not seen anyone in print, podcasts, game calls, intermission reports on HNIC mention this my eyes see the kid at the blueline in his Dzone so often it can't be anything other than he's performing winger's duties in his zone.
- Mr Ricochet

LR also had Korchinski/Megna on the ice a lot more wih the Bedard line than Tinordi/Zaitsev.

Also notice a lot more movement on the PP. Beginning of the year, they were using Bedard like Kane, once Bedard got the puck on the wing everyone was stationery waiting for the cross ice pass or for Bedard to shoot. Lately, although they may initially set up in a 1-3-1, now Bedard moves all over the ice which opens up passing lanes and for him to shoot.

Additionally, the entries into the zone lately on the PP have been great. I do not hear anyone complaining lately about the push-em-back entry, as the Hawks have really started to execute.

Even better, just play old tapes of Harvey calling goals. I wouldn't even care if the players names don't match. To hear his voice again would be awesome!
- powerenforcer

Harvey was the first announcer in the NHL to announce "One Minute to Play in the Period".

If you want a quick chuckle, go read the comments from the Detroit blog. It sounds exactly like us the last couple of years with Stan running the ship. Just throwing everyone and anyone under the bus. Yes, I've got a strong Schadenfreude affinity.

LR also had Korchinski/Megna on the ice a lot more wih the Bedard line than Tinordi/Zaitsev.

Also notice a lot more movement on the PP. Beginning of the year, they were using Bedard like Kane, once Bedard got the puck on the wing everyone was stationery waiting for the cross ice pass or for Bedard to shoot. Lately, although they may initially set up in a 1-3-1, now Bedard moves all over the ice which opens up passing lanes and for him to shoot.

Additionally, the entries into the zone lately on the PP have been great. I do not hear anyone complaining lately about the push-em-back entry, as the Hawks have really started to execute.
- LAHawk

I can't wait for them to move on from Tinordi. Just so many mental mistakes.

Before the season started I thought Raddysh would have been the player to take the next step in their evolution and Kurashev would struggle. #23 has far exceeded any expectations I had for him (or Raddysh).
- DarthKane

I guess I fall into this category to a degree. To me Kurashev always showed plus speed, decent hands and would show flashes of real skill/danger. His work rate was always average at best and his IQ seemed average so he'd get lost for many games in a row........ At Game 250 we see a much more experienced and confident player and that's when skill shines if they have it.

No doubt Raddysh is down from last yr but to my eye he's showing more explosion in his feet than last yr...... But his numbers. His shot percentage was high at 15% last yr and is low at 4.7% this yr. He got 3:00 on the PP last yr, 2:00 this yr. His TOI is the same this yr at 16:00 and shots per game the same at 1.7.

He has 213 NHL games and at his size he won't pop, if he does, for another 125ish games. A couple WJC's for CAN, a solid sophomore NHL season, his last AHL season, 27 games, was a pt per game, 2nd rd draft pedigree (drafted by TB not AZ).

The good thing is nobody in the pipeline is ready to challenge for top 6 slotting so they can run Raddysh out again next yr and go from there. But, to my eye I see his feet more explosive this yr. https://frozenpool.dobber...om/players/taylor-raddysh

LR also had Korchinski/Megna on the ice a lot more wih the Bedard line than Tinordi/Zaitsev.

Also notice a lot more movement on the PP. Beginning of the year, they were using Bedard like Kane, once Bedard got the puck on the wing everyone was stationery waiting for the cross ice pass or for Bedard to shoot. Lately, although they may initially set up in a 1-3-1, now Bedard moves all over the ice which opens up passing lanes and for him to shoot.

Additionally, the entries into the zone lately on the PP have been great. I do not hear anyone complaining lately about the push-em-back entry, as the Hawks have really started to execute.
- LAHawk

Big time... Good points, LA. Love they move the kid around which puts constant pressure/confusion on the opponent. Seeing him at the point dead center a lot. Perfect spot for a player with a bazooka for a shot and freaky vision/IQ to create.

Which coach runs the Hawk PP? Tip of the cap to him.

Big time... Good points, LA. Love they move the kid around which puts constant pressure/confusion on the opponent. Seeing him at the point dead center a lot. Perfect spot for a player with a bazooka for a shot and freaky vision/IQ to create.

Which coach runs the Hawk PP? Tip of the cap to him.
- Mr Ricochet

Derek Plante

I guess I fall into this category to a degree. To me Kurashev always showed plus speed, decent hands and would show flashes of real skill/danger. His work rate was always average at best and his IQ seemed average so he'd get lost for many games in a row........ At Game 250 we see a much more experienced and confident player and that's when skill shines if they have it.

No doubt Raddysh is down from last yr but to my eye he's showing more explosion in his feet than last yr...... But his numbers. His shot percentage was high at 15% last yr and is low at 4.7% this yr. He got 3:00 on the PP last yr, 2:00 this yr. His TOI is the same this yr at 16:00 and shots per game the same at 1.7.

He has 213 NHL games and at his size he won't pop, if he does, for another 125ish games. A couple WJC's for CAN, a solid sophomore NHL season, his last AHL season, 27 games, was a pt per game, 2nd rd draft pedigree (drafted by TB not AZ).

The good thing is nobody in the pipeline is ready to challenge for top 6 slotting so they can run Raddysh out again next yr and go from there. But, to my eye I see his feet more explosive this yr. https://frozenpool.dobber...om/players/taylor-raddysh
- Mr Ricochet

Bleacher Nation Blackhawks
@BN_Blackhawks
Tonight, #Blackhawks Philipp Kurashev skates in his 250th career regular-season game. He is the 11th player from the 2018 NHL Draft to reach that benchmark.

Nine of the 10 players to already reach 250 GP were among the top 38 picks

Kurashev was the 120th player selected in '18

LR also had Korchinski/Megna on the ice a lot more wih the Bedard line than Tinordi/Zaitsev.




Additionally, the entries into the zone lately on the PP have been great. I do not hear anyone complaining lately about the push-em-back entry, as the Hawks have really started to execute.
- LAHawk

Keep on postin, LA. This kinda stuff is why I come to this joint.. I missed the bolded and it's sooooo hard to catch nuance not being at the game for me.

And yea, Bedard was top 10 in entries before he got hurt IIRC. And to me that's nuts cuz he doesn't have elite speed. Kid can enter the problem has been now what as he's surrounded with few or no options.

Bleacher Nation Blackhawks
@BN_Blackhawks
Tonight, #Blackhawks Philipp Kurashev skates in his 250th career regular-season game. He is the 11th player from the 2018 NHL Draft to reach that benchmark.

Nine of the 10 players to already reach 250 GP were among the top 38 picks

Kurashev was the 120th player selected in '18
- LAHawk

Simply said, you don't win cups without hitting on a few lower rd picks. Kurashev has a chance to be one of those kinds. ....... Check out his draft. He went late rd 4.
https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/draft/nhl2018e.html

1-3-4-1-2

Simply said, you don't win cups without hitting on a few lower rd picks. Kurashev has a chance to be one of those kinds. ....... Check out his draft. He went late rd 4.
https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/draft/nhl2018e.html
- Mr Ricochet

Boy, that just makes you cringe looking at that first round and what they got out of it.

Bleacher Nation Blackhawks
@BN_Blackhawks
Tonight, #Blackhawks Philipp Kurashev skates in his 250th career regular-season game. He is the 11th player from the 2018 NHL Draft to reach that benchmark.

Nine of the 10 players to already reach 250 GP were among the top 38 picks

Kurashev was the 120th player selected in '18
- LAHawk

So you're saying Kurashev is a bust because it took him 250 to not be terrible.

via GIPHY

Boy, that just makes you cringe looking at that first round and what they got out of it.
- Chunk

I look at whole drafts from time to time and EVERY single time walk away thinking, My God how many of these players I was wrong on...... But, like a blind squirrel I find a nut. In this one it was Dobson but I think I was more against the Hawks drafting Boqvist than wanting them to draft anyone even thought the RS big Dman looked real good with at least a high floor.

He was horrid defensively playing in/for Sveden who's calling card is playing the game right and, although not Finland, plays with structure...... Thought if he won't play right there he won't/can't anywhere.

I look at whole drafts from time to time and EVERY single time walk away thinking, My God how many of these players I was wrong on...... But, like a blind squirrel I find a nut. In this one it was Dobson but I think I was more against the Hawks drafting Boqvist than wanting them to draft anyone even thought the RS big Dman looked real good with at least a high floor.

He was horrid defensively playing in/for Sveden who's calling card is playing the game right and, although not Finland, plays with structure...... Thought if he won't play right there he won't/can't anywhere.
- Mr Ricochet

Pretty sure everyone and their mother raised an eyebrow when Boqvist was taken before Bouchard and Dobson. Wasn't an overly great draft class, but there were still better options. I was more disappointed in the Beaudin pick than Boqvist though.

Simply said, you don't win cups without hitting on a few lower rd picks. Kurashev has a chance to be one of those kinds. ....... Check out his draft. He went late rd 4.
https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/draft/nhl2018e.html
- Mr Ricochet

Don’t forget that Kurashev also surprised people by making the Team Canada World Junior squad, and being one of their better players.

If we use that as a measuring stick, we should have some good talent coming in with del Mastro, Allan, and a couple others I’m forgetting. Might take a little while like Kurashev, but it seems a pedigree of cracking Team Canada’s lineup is a significant check mark to attain.

Don’t forget that Kurashev also surprised people by making the Team Canada World Junior squad, and being one of their better players.

If we use that as a measuring stick, we should have some good talent coming in with del Mastro, Allan, and a couple others I’m forgetting. Might take a little while like Kurashev, but it seems a pedigree of cracking Team Canada’s lineup is a significant check mark to attain.
- ObeseOprah

I thought for sure when Kurashev came up that he was Alex Fortin 2.0. Glad I'm wrong.