I'm not worried about Jokiharju, to be honest. His overall track record so far in the AHL has been pretty good. I give him the benefit of the doubt.

The thing that threw me off last night with his game was how he just didn't seem to be in an athletic ready stance to proactively engage the puck handler. I didn't see the competitive fire that we've seen before. His body language yesterday's game was what was uninspiring.

Maybe he was sick? Fighting a minor injury? Just focusing on what you stated?
- AEL_Fox

When I saw Joki last week, I thought the same thing as you. Especially his body language--he almost seemed bored at times or even his mind wasn't in the game. Then, he would snap to attention and make some responsible plays.

When I saw Joki last week, I thought the same thing as you. Especially his body language--he almost seemed bored at times or even his mind wasn't in the game. Then, he would snap to attention and make some responsible plays.
- Googlyeyes

Good to know someone else noticed it as well. Could be any of a number of reasons why, hopefully legitimate ones like focusing on certain fundamentals that fans aren't going to pick up on because we don't know what the coaches are telling him to do or not do.

Maybe the Bull is confused....
- StLBravesFan

You could have a ball at the Byron Turkey Testicle Festival!

Good to know someone else noticed it as well. Could be any of a number of reasons why, hopefully legitimate ones like focusing on certain fundamentals that fans aren't going to pick up on because we don't know what the coaches are telling him to do or not do.
- AEL_Fox

Did Osipov play when you saw them? If so, what did you think of him?

You could have a ball at the Byron Turkey Testicle Festival!
- Googlyeyes

Or more ...

The systems need to be the same at all levels. That is something that needs to be implemented this off-season. I am not sure King is the right guy for Rockford but I don't know much about him. Whomever is the coach in the Rock needs to be using the same systems as the big club.

It used to be a problem when Dent was the coach.
- Elbows15

Dent has his own tsouris these days....

Did Osipov play when you saw them? If so, what did you think of him?
- Googlyeyes

If this player is any good then you can be sure Bowman knows about him. It is possible he is a late bloomer who slipped through the cracks, i.e. the NHL and individual team draft boards.

I would guess that he is not an elite takent. Further, i would guess that he has learned to play the game and has some confidance in certain areas of his game.

Naturally the first thing that sticks out is his size -ike 225 lbs - but what is his style? How well does he skate? And can he handle the puck ok - not carry or great passer, but able to make accurate short passes out of his zone. The other points in playing defense he can improve upon with experience. The things i said are the basic things which if he is efficient at them......warrants continual AHL employment. He will have lots of competition for a job.

I think that may be a bit harsh. He was an idea man. I believe it was him who thought of the idea to feed mayo to tuna fish - no one can ever take that away from him.

Jeez, that takes me back ... all the way to when I thought Shelly Long was HHHHOT!



- EbonyRaptor

Bill “Billy Blaze” Blazjowski, played by Michael Keaton, was the idea man.

Pretty sure it was the funeral director’s kid who was watching Flintstones and made the comment about Barney’s acting chops as he packed up and left for the night.

Either way, was a decent movie at the time and it was either that or Gung Ho that pretty much launched Keaton’s career.

Entwistle voted best defensive forward in OHL Western Conference by coaches.

Here’s how the voting broke down:

1. MacKenzie Entwistle, Guelph Storm (24)
2. Damien Giroux, Saginaw Spirit (20)
3. Ryan McGregor, Sarnia Sting (17)

Did Osipov play when you saw them? If so, what did you think of him?
- Googlyeyes

Osipov didn't play. D pairs were:

Gilbert - Carlsson
Tuulola - Jokiharju
Krys - Campbell

Good to know someone else noticed it as well. Could be any of a number of reasons why, hopefully legitimate ones like focusing on certain fundamentals that fans aren't going to pick up on because we don't know what the coaches are telling him to do or not do.
- AEL_Fox

I am thinking that among all the prospects, it is going to be what side do they play and can they make the simple plays well. That is priority that is criteria to consider first and foremost. Not being overwhelmed or weak in any area is also a concern.

Krys for example always got pushed off puck

The comment about Hillman flatlining is quite interesting. Players go through phases in their development. I try to look for ability which is there but is not always noticeable immediately. This is when a Hillman ability to carry puck and unload a powerful shot is really nice when it comes into olay. Hillman is a third pair who can be nasty but whom tries to keep it simple and he is a very heady player

Great to see that. Would complement the more obvious skill guy in his pair. Would be a real asset to have a dman whom plays solid and can happen to make a solid play which leads to a decisive goal in the game.code][img][/img]

Did Osipov play when you saw them? If so, what did you think of him?
- Googlyeyes

Moot point, now. Hogs released him from his PTO. Also sent Mcardle and Watson to Indy to make room for the younger guys hopefully.

Dent has his own tsouris these days....
- StLBravesFan

I wasn't going to bring that up. I didn't like him as a coach in Rockford and I like the scumbag even less now. (frank) him

She was ok at 2nd City.

Not funny particularly, but cute.
- StLBravesFan

Remember seeing her at Second City. She also did furniture commercials back then. Remember watching Jim belushi trying to hit on a female customer one night during the intermission. I think her put down on him was funnier than any line he delivered on stage that night.

If this player is any good then you can be sure Bowman knows about him. It is possible he is a late bloomer who slipped through the cracks, i.e. the NHL and individual team draft boards.

I would guess that he is not an elite takent. Further, i would guess that he has learned to play the game and has some confidance in certain areas of his game.

Naturally the first thing that sticks out is his size -ike 225 lbs - but what is his style? How well does he skate? And can he handle the puck ok - not carry or great passer, but able to make accurate short passes out of his zone. The other points in playing defense he can improve upon with experience. The things i said are the basic things which if he is efficient at them......warrants continual AHL employment. He will have lots of competition for a job.
- jhawk59

He gone.

via ESPN Fantasy Hockey


"TUE, MAR 26, 1:23 PM

ROTOWIRE.COM

Karlsson (groin) has stopped skating on a daily basis, Kevin Kurz of The Athletic reports, which could be an indication he suffered a setback.
Spin: The Sharks continue to maintain that Karlsson could return to the lineup before the end of the regular season, but with just six games remaining, time is running out. If the world-class blueliner isn't able to get back soon, it could affect his performance in the postseason, assuming he is able to return at all this year.""


Dougie Wilson has got to be (frank)ing pissed that he gave up so much for 1 year Rental Erik Karlsson, and he's going to end up missing 40% of the season, and possibly the playoffs....

via ESPN Fantasy Hockey


"TUE, MAR 26, 1:23 PM

ROTOWIRE.COM

Karlsson (groin) has stopped skating on a daily basis, Kevin Kurz of The Athletic reports, which could be an indication he suffered a setback.
Spin: The Sharks continue to maintain that Karlsson could return to the lineup before the end of the regular season, but with just six games remaining, time is running out. If the world-class blueliner isn't able to get back soon, it could affect his performance in the postseason, assuming he is able to return at all this year.""


Dougie Wilson has got to be (frank)ing pissed that he gave up so much for 1 year Rental Erik Karlsson, and he's going to end up missing 40% of the season, and possibly the playoffs....
- EnzoD

Good. (frank) Doug Wilson.

Moot point, now. Hogs released him from his PTO. Also sent Mcardle and Watson to Indy to make room for the younger guys hopefully.
- Elbows15

That's actually good to hear. Just as the Hawks had a logjam at defense earlier in the year, the Hogs started to have one as well. But now that the statuses of recent draftees are coming in to focus, it should help set the most viable blueline options for next year.

Hawks: possibly Jokiharju, Dahlstrom, Forsling
Hogs: Carlsson, Gilbert, Hillman, Tuulola, Krys
Potential Hogs: Beaudin and/or Mitchell (or neither)

No use in having tryouts and career minor leaguers like Osipov and McArdle as they just block a spot from the actual system prospects.

Good. (frank) Doug Wilson.
- Elbows15

Sharks are deep, talented, playoff experienced. They must be hoping not to get into a marathon physical series again with Pred's.

Wilson adding Kane and now Karlsson could get them to the final. Those two playing well makes San Jose my choice from Western Conference. But they need M Jones to be stellar too.

via ESPN Fantasy Hockey


"TUE, MAR 26, 1:23 PM

ROTOWIRE.COM

Karlsson (groin) has stopped skating on a daily basis, Kevin Kurz of The Athletic reports, which could be an indication he suffered a setback.
Spin: The Sharks continue to maintain that Karlsson could return to the lineup before the end of the regular season, but with just six games remaining, time is running out. If the world-class blueliner isn't able to get back soon, it could affect his performance in the postseason, assuming he is able to return at all this year.""


Dougie Wilson has got to be (frank)ing pissed that he gave up so much for 1 year Rental Erik Karlsson, and he's going to end up missing 40% of the season, and possibly the playoffs....
- EnzoD

Maybe before next season's TDL, someone can do a "scorecard" of how many deadline trades actually worked out for the "buying" team.

Without any proof - just stuff rolling around in my head - it seems that almost all of them DON'T work out - certainly not at the cost of what was given up. Especially the one-three-month-rental kind of deals.

Maybe before next season's TDL, someone can do a "scorecard" of how many deadline trades actually worked out for the "buying" team.

Without any proof - just stuff rolling around in my head - it seems that almost all of them DON'T work out - certainly not at the cost of what was given up. Especially the one-three-month-rental kind of deals.
- StLBravesFan

Karlsson was acquired last summer, but would still qualify as a “Rental”. He’s a fun player to watch so it’s unfortunate he’s been out so long.

Sharks I think have the worst (or one of) combined Save % in the NHL so goaltending is their bigger concern. Vegas will take them in 6 games in round 1 IMO, especially without Karlsson

Sharks are deep, talented, playoff experienced. They must be hoping not to get into a marathon physical series again with Pred's.

Wilson adding Kane and now Karlsson could get them to the final. Those two playing well makes San Jose my choice from Western Conference. But they need M Jones to be stellar too.
- jhawk59

Its now or never for them. Age is gonna come calling pretty quick. They have some good young players but the bulk of their team is in their 30's.

Jones isn't good enough to win a Cup.

Maybe before next season's TDL, someone can do a "scorecard" of how many deadline trades actually worked out for the "buying" team.

Without any proof - just stuff rolling around in my head - it seems that almost all of them DON'T work out - certainly not at the cost of what was given up. Especially the one-three-month-rental kind of deals.
- StLBravesFan

I think you're right

via ESPN Fantasy Hockey


"TUE, MAR 26, 1:23 PM

ROTOWIRE.COM

Karlsson (groin) has stopped skating on a daily basis, Kevin Kurz of The Athletic reports, which could be an indication he suffered a setback.
Spin: The Sharks continue to maintain that Karlsson could return to the lineup before the end of the regular season, but with just six games remaining, time is running out. If the world-class blueliner isn't able to get back soon, it could affect his performance in the postseason, assuming he is able to return at all this year.""


Dougie Wilson has got to be (frank)ing pissed that he gave up so much for 1 year Rental Erik Karlsson, and he's going to end up missing 40% of the season, and possibly the playoffs....
- EnzoD

I HOPE that we do not sign Karlsson! I know we need help at D but he is already breaking down and will want 7+ years.

Please no Stan.

I HOPE that we do not sign Karlsson! I know we need help at D but he is already breaking down and will want 7+ years.

Please no Stan.
- Black Raven

100% agreed, unless its for 2-3 years