Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 

Blackhawks Play Some Games and I Have Some Thoughts

September 19, 2019, 7:02 AM ET [607 Comments]
Tyler Cameron
Chicago Blackhawks Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT


Wow, has it ever been nice to finally watch some Blackhawks hockey the past 3 games?

Yes, it is exhibition, but still.

In saying that, let's not get too high or too low on how the Blackhawks have performed as they (along with their opponents) are working out many kinks.

I thought last night's game was the cleanest of to date. Not meaning penalty-wise, but cleaner pace. The first couple of games were quite sloppy which was to be expected.

It also helped that the Wings and Hawks iced more regulars to date in preseason, which definitely ups the pace.

Chicago had a real solid defensive game as a team holding Detroit to just 24 shots in the game. The Hawks had support all over the ice and it was a nice team effort all around. That would be nice if the Hawks could keep that up!

With the Hawks sitting at a 1-1-1 record, I'm going to jump into this one with 10 observations on specific players I've made so far:

* Crawford - How about this theory: the Hawks signed Robin Lehner to push Corey Crawford back to elite level.

Ok, I don't actually believe that, but how awesome did Crow look last night. Remember when the Hawks won the conference in 2016-17? Well, their team wasn't really that good and I think most of us knew that.

How'd they do it? Well, Corey Crawford has 32 wins, a 2.55 GAA and a .918 SV% - that was the main reason.

I'm not suggesting that that the Hawks will win the division, however, I've already broken down how the Hawks performed as a team with consistent goaltending and that's the last time they had healthy and consistent goaltending.

Crawford appears slightly pissed/dedicated to proving others wrong early this offseason which seems to be driven by the Lehner signing. This is all good news for Chicago fans.

* Maata – At just 25 years old, Maatta has won a couple of Stanley Cups and carries that confidence on the ice.

So far I've been very impressed by his demeanour on the ice. He's a gamer and he and Seabrook appeared to have some nice chemistry last night. If they stay together as a duo, this could be the best bottom pairing the Blackhawks have had in 5+ years.

* Kubalik – He is the flavour of the preseason so far. Dominik Kubalik scored a couple goals on Tuesday night and continues to show why Stan Bowman was so high on the winger.

I see him as a RW and only a RW with that deadly one-timer shot from his offside.

Whether he's top 6 or solidifies a dynamic 3rd line with – let's say, Kampf and Saad, he looks like an NHL talent with big potential.

* Nylander – As expected, they have placed Nylander in a position to succeed early in the preseason. Last night, playing along Toews and Kane he did a good job. I say good as he appears so close to "great" but not there yet.

I read Scott Powers article from The Athletic where an expert analyzed how Nylander doesn't handle the puck well in transition. This source stated that Nylander struggles to possess the puck while crossing over in his stride; an astute observation.

I kept an eye on that last night and it checks out. The good news is this is a part of his game that he can work on and improve. His pivoting and shiftiness in the offensive zone is already above-average as he evades defenders and if he can improve in his crossover game, he could be real special.

With that being said, Nylander possesses the puck so well in the offensive zone that I can see Colliton and Co. awarding him a spot on the opening day roster. He's been performing and is working hard away from the puck.

* Boqvist – I could watch this all year:

… however, I felt Boqvist could really use some seasoning in Rockford to continue to hone his defensive game. He was overmatched at times last night but really did come alive offensively in the 2nd half of the game (with moves like above) and there's no question he is going to be one heck of a player.

* Highmore - I mentioned on the message board the other day on how I'd love to see Highmore's effectiveness compared head-to-head vs. David Kampf.

Don't get me wrong, I think Kampf is a solid player and I know Coach Colliton has a soft spot for him, I have just noticed Highmore a lot this preseason.

He has a high motor, disrupts a lot of plays with his hard work and has a really solid two-way game. I believe he may have a better offensive game than Kampf as well.

Highmore was given an opportunity on the PP1 last night so you know that Hawks coaching staff is seeing the same thing.

I wouldn't be shocked to see him make the team as a 4th liner/extra forward.

* Wedin – Sticking with depth forwards, Anton Wedin has had a real solid training camp so far.

At 26 years old and a 925k salary, Wedin is a prime candidate to make the team as rotating forward.

He's been used on the PK, produced and created a lot of chances.

With this being his first season in North America, he might benefit from top 6 minutes in Rockford, however, don't be shocked if he starts the year as a 12th-14th forward.

* Holm – Who would have thunk it? I thought the 7th defence opening was just down to Slater Koekkoek and Carl Dahlstrom. Well, if I had to choose right now, I would award that spot to Philip Holm.

He's looked great in preseason and has a nice two-way game.

The biggest takeaway from Holm's game, he's playing with a ton of confidence with and without the puck; that's more I can say about the other two.

* Gilbert – I don't think Gilbert will be anything more than a bottom-pairing dman, however, he's got the making of being a viable option in the next couple of years for Chicago for that exact role.

He had a strong game last night (and a decent fight) and has really solidified himself a leader as he heads back to Rockford in a week or so.

* Shaw - How good is this guy at retrieving pucks and causing drama. I missed it so.

Colliton appears to like the DeBrincat-Strome-Shaw line right now and we'll see if it sticks.

Shaw would be a great addition on this line as he works hard all over the ice and helps retrieve and turn over pucks so those other 2 can do what they do best… score goals.

Shaw had a successful year last year with Drouin and Domi and the Hawks coaching staff might look to build off of that starting the year with Strome and Cat.

--

I didn't mention the core as most have only played a game or two but they'll be fine. Toews actually looked real good last night and Duncan Keith scored a goal… so there's that.

Lastly, the Hawks have so much depth this year and it's so refreshing to see.

Watching guys like Saarela, Dylan Sikura and Hagel upfront offers so much optimism for what's to come. Oh, and we didn't even mention Kirby Dach who is still not skating.

His chances are slim, but if Dach can get into a game or two there is still a shot he makes the team.

The Hawks next game is Saturday vs. Boston.

I'll be around if you need me.

See ya out there!

TC

---
Join the Discussion: » 607 Comments » Post New Comment
More from Tyler Cameron
» Farewell
» My Favourite Blackhawks Team
» What's the future in net for the Blackhawks?
» What could the Blackhawks look like next year?
» Mailbag - Blackhawks Postmortem Edition