I was ok with Anderson’s game. But he has the same offensive game as Connor Murphy. Murphy retrieves the puck and chips it up the boards. Anderson gets the puck at center ice and chips it up the boards. Both players struggle to create offense. I would much rather see Bedard D!ckinson and Hall or Donato or even Smith on the first line. Playing Anderson on the first line is making Bedatd play with one hand tied behind his back.


Bedard D!ckinson Donato
Hall TT Bertuzzi (or TT Hall Bertuzzi)
Maroon Reichel Smith
Mikheyev Foligno Anderson (shut down)
- Ztra

Last night he gave a few away on the boards that he wouldn't have if he moved the puck sooner or was ready for contact. For that particular player those types of things you'd like to see a bit better because there isn't a lot else brought to the table.

I think TT or Hall would be more effective but most of the lines seemed fairly decent last night so probably keep it the same for a minute.

Fantastic game from Vlasic and Kaiser was great as well. Solid stuff from Allen. And Mrazek was the man of the match.

Can't really take a team seriously when captain talks a lot is the best player but I guess we'll take a W at this stage. Still think they could use a shot in the arm.

Didn't watch the game,but the box score has a big 0 next to sog for Bedard.
Maybe he was active and just couldn't hit the net for all I know.
Then I read someone's post on X,that LR was keeping the Bedard/Richardinson/not sure who the other wing was matched up against Barkov??
Nice to see Kaiser and Allan chipping in and the team winning but Bedard with 0 SOG stinks of Luke's incompetence.
- captainserious

They were out against Barkov's line and it showed.

Didn't watch the game,but the box score has a big 0 next to sog for Bedard.
Maybe he was active and just couldn't hit the net for all I know.
Then I read someone's post on X,that LR was keeping the Bedard/Richardinson/not sure who the other wing was matched up against Barkov??
Nice to see Kaiser and Allan chipping in and the team winning but Bedard with 0 SOG stinks of Luke's incompetence.
- captainserious

Which other line would you have preferred he go up against? Verhaeghe-Bennett-Thachuk? Lundell's line? They are all powerhouse lines and extremely defensively responsible. There wasn't a good matchup for Bedard last night regardless of who his linemates could have been. The Hawks got some timey goals and a lead and were able to lock down pretty well defensively (all things considered).

There is still very little offensive talent on this team. Bedard with TT and any other winger would have gotten destroyed. if this is the roster they are going to go with, he's going to have to learn how to play and produce in these conditions. Find new ways to get open. Talk to linemates about ways to get him the puck and when, etc.

Considering Richardenson injured his hand early in the 2nd and fought through the injury the rest of the game (still under evaluation) it's not really surprising that line didn't generate much offense (and lost a lot of draws).

While I still think they should be a bit more aggressive in adding real NHL talent to the team sooner, Bedard slumping is the least of my worries. He has the tools and will be able to flourish. The fact that is two way game is improving is a great bonus.

For Mr. Ricochet, Paul and others interested in Canadian and USA prospects, here's an article with brief scouting reports for each roster player participating in next week's CHL/USA tourney.

https://www.dailyfaceoff....l-usa-prospects-challenge

The CHL team looks loaded with Martone, Misa, and Schaefer on the roster.

They were out against Barkov's line and it showed.
- fattybeef

Bedard is going to have whiplash. My uneducated guess is the amount of line juggling is something vets can tolerate/handle but not something that helps teenagers and 20 year olds develop.

Do they want him scoring goals? Play making? Playing wing on a shutdown line? He’s struggling, can’t get a puck in the net, and just to add a bit more diversity he’s getting mixed in the line blender on high.

Give him the same line mates for 20-25 games and tell them the figure it out together. We brought in vets to help/teach that stuff no?

A message from Paul Maurice to the BOD. Ok not exactly but I’m passing it on from Lazerus’ column this am in The Athletic…not that it’ll help.

One other note for Blackhawks fans from Maurice: “You guys came to the rink for 20 years, won Stanley Cups and beat the hell out of everybody, and you just assume that’s the way it should go every year. But you’ve got good young players, you’ve got a superstar. It’s just a matter of time.”
- HawkintheD

And they finally decided to gut it and start over

I laugh about complaining about Bedard not getting any shots on goal. Even on the power play they had someone mirroring Bedard, he should get an assist for recognizing it and taking the mirroring defender to the boards so the PP turned into a 4 on 3.
At the same time that is the ultimate sign of respect by the opponent.


Its as if fans are worried if Bedard doesn't produce he's not going to be a generational player? That pass that Bedard made to Di ckinson on the goal vs the Ducks was crazy good. It wasn't open when he made the pass but his ability to see it coming open and then having the ability to put it right where it needed to be from about 40 feet away, damn.

I know you guys don't think so but we really want a top 4 pick this year.

It was a really good game for Allan and the most he has played in any game at the NHL level as he rounded out the top 4 last night. He was more involved and physical than we've seen him. With Florida's forecheck it was a game where LR had to rely on the heavier D and gave less minutes to Brodie/Kaiser as a result.

It will be interesting to see how the lines end up for the next game against Philly, which is a much different animal than Florida.

It was a really good game for Allan and the most he has played in any game at the NHL level as he rounded out the top 4 last night. He was more involved and physical than we've seen him. With Florida's forecheck it was a game where LR had to rely on the heavier D and gave less minutes to Brodie/Kaiser as a result.

It will be interesting to see how the lines end up for the next game against Philly, which is a much different animal than Florida.
- breadbag

I thought Allan did as well, i can see Kaiser is ready for the next step he's really getting better at scooping the puck off the wall and skating with his head up looking for an open forward to get the rush going in the other direction.

One of the things that kill possession for this team in my opinion is the inability to secure possession of the puck off the boards before the forecheck gets there. Brodie, Murphy, Bertuzzi, Hall seem to struggle the most with this. At least Bertuzzi didn't step on the puck this time but yea he's really not good at it.

And this isn't me complaining about how they played, i liked all of their efforts in the game, it's just something I've been noticing with those players more so than the other players.

The White Sox were actually trying to compete for the playoffs or at least thought they were only 2 seasons ago. They unintentionally bottomed out with a bunch of players they thought could be part of their core but spent more time on the DL than on the field. The results might be the same but the way they got there really isn't.
- HawkintheD

Were they trying to compete though? They refused to spend money on impact players and very much over valued what Eloy, Moncada and Kopech brought to the table - they broke Giolito and it looks like Robert. If Benintendi is the biggest contract ever and have an Elvis Andrus as your starting 2B then I don't think you can take a team like that seriously.

Sorry it's not apples to apples but there are similarities. The main reason I brought up the comparison is:

1. Promoting from within rather than pulling someone out of a successful organization. I would have preferred they hired someone from Vegas, Carolina, Colorado or Tampa. KFC may end up being fine but when you have an org problem and you hire from within the org I think it's not the best choice typically.

2. Spending money on mediocre veterans. LA has complained about this a few times (not unjustifiably so), yes they need to get to the floor but no one was gonna pay Foligno or AA over 3 million. Brodie - woof. I don't think they should have thrown money at Guntzel or Stamkos for that term and this is really a we need more of a wait and see scenario - but the way they've spent money so far has been a mixed bag.

3. The TV debacle and outrageous price is out of touch with fans in a way only a Jerry Reinsdorf organization could be out of touch with fans. Especially with the team not even being good. It should probably be free for a least the fist year or two (with adds) and then start the juice. They're going to get so much data from the phone and device apps that they'll be able to make it up on the back end selling it or using it for internal marketing purposes. (that's why most apps are "free")

4. I don't care for the org literally saying on a TV show that everyone watched "where the goals going to come from" and not even attempting to address it while also saying "were gonna be more competitive". I think Bamford did a breakdown on that and even in an ideal situation they were still towards the bottom of the league.

Certainly the first 2 could change in the next 18 months (and 4 for that matter) but I don't think it's unreasonable to ask some questions.

Were they trying to compete though? They refused to spend money on impact players and very much over valued what Eloy, Moncada and Kopech brought to the table - they broke Giolito and it looks like Robert. If Benintendi is the biggest contract ever and have an Elvis Andrus as your starting 2B then I don't think you can take a team like that seriously.

Sorry it's not apples to apples but there are similarities. The main reason I brought up the comparison is:

1. Promoting from within rather than pulling someone out of a successful organization. I would have preferred they hired someone from Vegas, Carolina, Colorado or Tampa. KFC may end up being fine but when you have an org problem and you hire from within the org I think it's not the best choice typically.

2. Spending money on mediocre veterans. LA has complained about this a few times (not unjustifiably so), yes they need to get to the floor but no one was gonna pay Foligno or AA over 3 million. Brodie - woof. I don't think they should have thrown money at Guntzel or Stamkos for that term and this is really a we need more of a wait and see scenario - but the way they've spent money so far has been a mixed bag.

3. The TV debacle and outrageous price is out of touch with fans in a way only a Jerry Reinsdorf organization could be out of touch with fans. Especially with the team not even being good. It should probably be free for a least the fist year or two (with adds) and then start the juice. They're going to get so much data from the phone and device apps that they'll be able to make it up on the back end selling it or using it for internal marketing purposes. (that's why most apps are "free")

4. I don't care for the org literally saying on a TV show that everyone watched "where the goals going to come from" and not even attempting to address it while also saying "were gonna be more competitive". I think Bamford did a breakdown on that and even in an ideal situation they were still towards the bottom of the league.

Certainly the first 2 could change in the next 18 months (and 4 for that matter) but I don't think it's unreasonable to ask some questions.
- fattybeef

Well besides the 2nd period when Di ckinson was in the locker room the Blackhawks played pretty even hockey.

Right now they are Avg 2.4 GFPG and 3 GAPG

If you take away the empty netters
2.3 GF 2.55GA

I believe analytically they are underwater in the Goals expected category.

The World Junior Tournament is just around the corner. The preliminary rosters should be announced soon. I have no clues whether some Blackhawk drafts may be on the tryout roster. However I am hoping some prospects who were not publicized or on preliminary lists, through strong impressive performance in their junior league this season do get added to the lists. Specifically I am hopeful for Blackhawks' Spellacy

Anyone care to discuss nomination and any Blackhawk prospects on any country's roster

The World Junior Tournament is just around the corner. The preliminary rosters should be announced soon. I have no clues whether some Blackhawk drafts may be on the tryout roster. However I am hoping some prospects who were not publicized or on preliminary lists, through strong impressive performance in their junior league this season do get added to the lists. Specifically I am hopeful for Blackhawks' Spellacy

Anyone care to discuss nomination and any Blackhawk prospects on any country's roster
- jhawk59

Projected Canadian roster. No Chicago prospects here.

https://thehockeynews.com...jected-team-canada-roster

Interesting perspective from Maurice (via Ben Pope article)

Before the game, Maurice said he understands Richardson’s decision to move Bedard to wing, mentioning how he has done the same thing in years past with young Panthers forward Anton Lundell and once-young Jets star Mark Scheifele.

“It’s highly normal for a young player to come into the league as a center and spend quite a bit of time on the wing,” Maurice said. “Understanding the different positions is very, very important.”

Were they trying to compete though? They refused to spend money on impact players and very much over valued what Eloy, Moncada and Kopech brought to the table - they broke Giolito and it looks like Robert. If Benintendi is the biggest contract ever and have an Elvis Andrus as your starting 2B then I don't think you can take a team like that seriously.

Sorry it's not apples to apples but there are similarities. The main reason I brought up the comparison is:

1. Promoting from within rather than pulling someone out of a successful organization. I would have preferred they hired someone from Vegas, Carolina, Colorado or Tampa. KFC may end up being fine but when you have an org problem and you hire from within the org I think it's not the best choice typically.

2. Spending money on mediocre veterans. LA has complained about this a few times (not unjustifiably so), yes they need to get to the floor but no one was gonna pay Foligno or AA over 3 million. Brodie - woof. I don't think they should have thrown money at Guntzel or Stamkos for that term and this is really a we need more of a wait and see scenario - but the way they've spent money so far has been a mixed bag.

3. The TV debacle and outrageous price is out of touch with fans in a way only a Jerry Reinsdorf organization could be out of touch with fans. Especially with the team not even being good. It should probably be free for a least the fist year or two (with adds) and then start the juice. They're going to get so much data from the phone and device apps that they'll be able to make it up on the back end selling it or using it for internal marketing purposes. (that's why most apps are "free")

4. I don't care for the org literally saying on a TV show that everyone watched "where the goals going to come from" and not even attempting to address it while also saying "were gonna be more competitive". I think Bamford did a breakdown on that and even in an ideal situation they were still towards the bottom of the league.

Certainly the first 2 could change in the next 18 months (and 4 for that matter) but I don't think it's unreasonable to ask some questions.
- fattybeef

They spent a fortune on a catcher who sucked and relief pitchers, both closer and set up guys. Moncada got the Toews long term covid. Admittedly, they turned out to be highly breakable mismatched parts. But you don't know that when trading for prospects.

Del Mastro, Philips and Crevier are probably not NHL players. Maybe someone takes a flier on one of them as part of a change of scenery trade (Frost or Zegras) but other than that they're 7th defensemen at best.

Ludwinski has one point in 12 games. Joe Veleno was more effective.

Nazar's game is the same as it was last year. No reason for him not to be in the NHL especially if it's a meritocracy and considering the play of Kurashev and Reichel.

Slaggart is probably more effective than Anderson (who I don't mind but I will agree doesn't make a good team), Kurashev, Mikheyev, Reichel or Maroon. He's probably a better hockey player than Donato but Donato is in the running for the Taylor "well someone has to score 20 goals" Raddysh season.

Speaking of Kurashev he is a team leading -16.

The ice hogs are a second to last team in their division so it's not like there's a "winning culture of excellence there".

I really think this is looking more like a White Sox rebuild where the Hawks know more than everyone else, promote from within only, pimp out overrated prospects, expect Bedard to carry a whole line (like the Sox expected Robert to play the whole outfield and drive in every run), brought in a bunch of head case veterans that female dog and moan at every opportunity.

Won't fire the coach, won't make a trade, won't bring anyone up just an absolute nightmare.
- fattybeef

Three 6th-7th rd Dmen probably won't be NHL players? What are the percentages of 6th-7th rd picks making the bigs, 5%? Odds say they won't but just the same I think I'm satisfied with how they were developed none the less, fatty.

Joe Veleno was a Hlinka kid, 3 WJC's, had a 100 pt season in MJ. He was drafted in 2018 30th overall and you wanna compare him to 20 yr old Ludwinski who has nowhere near the backclass and was drafted in 2022?

fatty, we are on opposite sides of the spectrum when it comes to development and that is more than fine. You post most everyday of your disdain for the AHL for most prospects and I rarely reply because I think it's ok to disagree.

Regardless of what we like or don't, the organIzation under KD likes to give prospects plenty of AHL time to prepare for the Bigs and I like that.

Projected Canadian roster. No Chicago prospects here.

https://thehockeynews.com...jected-team-canada-roster
- boilermaker100

If Lardis keeps up his scoring pace it will be difficult to keep him off the team especially considering his two way game has improved considerably, not to the level of a Toews or Bergeron but enough that he pulls his weight 5 on 5 and the coach can put him on to kill penalties.

Three 6th-7th rd Dmen probably won't be NHL players? What are the percentages of 6th-7th rd picks making the bigs, 5%? Odds say they won't but just the same I think I'm satisfied with how they were developed none the less, fatty.

Joe Veleno was a Hlinka kid, 3 WJC's, had a 100 pt season in MJ. He was drafted in 2018 30th overall and you wanna compare him to 20 yr old Ludwinski who has nowhere near the backclass and was drafted in 2022?

fatty, we are on opposite sides of the spectrum when it comes to development and that is more than fine. You post most everyday of your disdain for the AHL for most prospects and I rarely reply because I think it's ok to disagree.

Regardless of what we like or don't, the organIzation under KD likes to give prospects plenty of AHL time to prepare for the Bigs and I like that.
- Mr Ricochet

Del Mastro will be an NHL player, he’s big and physical, he’s defensively responsible, he moves the puck out of his end via a pass or he can carry it and while he has some offensive upside and a very good shot that isn’t his forte.

Del Mastro will be an NHL player, he’s big and physical, he’s defensively responsible, he moves the puck out of his end via a pass or he can carry it and while he has some offensive upside and a very good shot that isn’t his forte.
- paulr

I don’t believe that Crevier and Phillips will be NHL defensemen, however from what I’ve seen of EDM, I do believe he will be a solid defensive dman in the league, probably not top four, but you never know. One more thing, have not read any negative posts on the BOD in regards to Murphy in weeks, not directed at you. He’s been solid back there, unless you get a very nice offer I’d keep him around, how long depends on Arty.

I don’t believe that Crevier and Phillips will be NHL defensemen, however from what I’ve seen of EDM, I do believe he will be a solid defensive dman in the league, probably not top four, but you never know. One more thing, have not read any negative posts on the BOD in regards to Murphy in weeks, not directed at you. He’s been solid back there, unless you get a very nice offer I’d keep him around, how long depends on Arty.
- Angotti

Can you imagine if these guys weren't in the system before Bowman was canned? Vlasic, Kaiser, Allan, maybe EDM, I feel very fortunate that they are, it takes so long to develop defenseman compared to forwards. 3 of them are playing with the big boys and i trust them more than our vets.

Then you throw in the addition of Arty, Rinzel and KK, this can be one of if not the best blue line in the league

I wasn’t necessarily suggesting the Hawks select him. I just think he’ll go early in the draft especially if he puts a good season together. That said, you build from the net out and if he’s best available you select him regardless of what prospects you already have. At the end of the day you can try to acquire what you need by trade later.
- paulr

Valid. However, he could have had both demidov and eiserman to provide offense. I just feel that is what they are obviously lacking. I think they have plenty of very good defensmen prospects already and if none of them hit then we have a problem. But i appreciate your point of view, equally valid.

I don’t believe that Crevier and Phillips will be NHL defensemen, however from what I’ve seen of EDM, I do believe he will be a solid defensive dman in the league, probably not top four, but you never know. One more thing, have not read any negative posts on the BOD in regards to Murphy in weeks, not directed at you. He’s been solid back there, unless you get a very nice offer I’d keep him around, how long depends on Arty.
- Angotti

Crevier and Phillips don’t seem to think the game well. Add to that both need to assert themselves physically to separate themselves from the other prospects and neither have.

As far as Murphy goes, I always thought he was in way over his head because he didn’t have the skill set to be a top pairing defenseman with lots of minutes. He doesn’t look half bad playing on the second or third pairing and can continue to fill in until some prospects, like Arty, are ready to earn a spot.

Valid. However, he could have had both demidov and eiserman to provide offense. I just feel that is what they are obviously lacking. I think they have plenty of very good defensmen prospects already and if none of them hit then we have a problem. But i appreciate your point of view, equally valid.
- LFS

I think when it comes to Eiserman, KD has no interest in drafting a player who doesn't compete. I watched some of his highlights and low lights, his effort on defense sometimes is cringe worthy.

Valid. However, he could have had both demidov and eiserman to provide offense. I just feel that is what they are obviously lacking. I think they have plenty of very good defensmen prospects already and if none of them hit then we have a problem. But i appreciate your point of view, equally valid.
- LFS

If Arty proves to be a top pairing guy then Chicago made the best choice. If he’s a second or third pairing defenseman and Demidov proves to be a top scorer then …. Ooops. But you try to build from the net out, that how a championship team is built so I personally believe KD made the best choice.

https://search.app/4zdBcuAra8HSQqJGA
- paulr

Good read, thanks again. Really glad I read it cuz I had forgotten that the CHL v NTDP thingy is at the end of November. This is gonna be really fun and in a lotta ways really important as it greases the skids for more possibilities for ways the USHL and the CHL to play each other in some kinda format.

Talking about draft prospects a couple weeks back I saw a kid who I'd say blew my socks off more than any player at any level this yr.

Ended up on a WHL game with Victoria Royals playing. Must have tuned in to see Brandon so I could see McQueen. Watched a couple periods and this big 6ft 4in 210lb Dman for Victoria just kept making plays showing good feet, IQ and reads. Just kept making plays in all 3 zones. Got a lotta TOI.

Looked him up at EP and was shocked to see the kid is 16 and eligible for the 2026 draft. His name is Keaton Verhoeff. 16 yrs old and playing poised and making plays in Major Junior. Worth your time if you can catch a game of this kid. https://www.eliteprospect...er/878326/keaton-verhoeff

If Lardis keeps up his scoring pace it will be difficult to keep him off the team especially considering his two way game has improved considerably, not to the level of a Toews or Bergeron but enough that he pulls his weight 5 on 5 and the coach can put him on to kill penalties.
- paulr

I am not 100% sure if his complete game will translate to the NHL level, but he might just be sneaky good enough at finding the back of the net to get some NHL minutes. I know people like to remind everyone that junior scoring doesn't mean NHL scoring, but I'd rather see prospects succeed at the junior level (or AHL for that matter) and have a bit of hope/hype even if they don't always live up to it.