A few Rockford observations:

Delia is dropping fast in the goalie depth chart with some poor play lately. He seems to have trouble tracking the puck and controlling rebounds.

Lankinen is distancing himself as #1 in the system with consistent, reliable play. Tomkins holding his own and giving Delia a run for his money as well.

Tuulola is one tough customer regulating anyone who tries to crash the crease. Love the way he and Carlsson play with physicality and a mean streak.

Why is Fortin not in Indy with Knott and Noel? For a guy who should have disruptive speed, he barely uses it and is irrelevant most of the time.

Soderlund needs to play every game rather than every 1-2 games. He busts his tail every shift playing in traffic.
- AEL_Fox

Honestly I said the same of Fortin in camp. Too much depth to let him take up a spot. Offer to release him or send to Indy. I’d like to see Wedin up next if the opportunity arises.

That was as loud as I've ever heard that building.
- 6628

Indeed it was

Mr.R after re-reading my post I owe you an apology. Hope you are in a good enough mood to accept.

The Leafs for me are what some baseball fans get out of the Yankees losing. They never cease to ramble on about their great history as a team, their great players and being in the hockey center of the universe. The truth is they haven't won anything in 50+ years and going to a game in that arena is a grossly overpriced snorefest that the average Joe can never afford.

Back to your reference about their defence - individual names don't assure good roster construction on the back end. They aren't big enough, snarly enough and as a team their 5 man groups consistently leave the middle of the ice wide open and hope their goaltender saves them. Can't win that way in any league.
- RickJ

Rick, cmon you don't owe me any apologies my point in that post was you lost objectivity IMO responding to my post where I never said I admired TOR's D that IMO Ceci's surprisingly solid play eating 22:00, I'm a fan of Muzzin, they have 2-1/2 PP QB's and they now have a solid top 3 and are probably better swapping Ceci for Gardiner.

So please, no apologies needed. You're a guy who sees the value in a Bouwmeester and a Sopel and the value in a Gus when properly slotted. I read guys like that.

And hell yea defense is a 5 man exercise. Structure man, structure. A young goalie is taught the puck always moves faster than you do so positioning is job 1. Same for a group, the puck moves faster than your feet so structure is paramount in defending but due to roster weaknesses systems are tweaked to mask them. As we have seen with the Hawks a tweak to a system can accentuate the roster strengths and mask the weakness, at least in theory. Seems the Leafs are built the same way, trade chances and we're betting our finishers and goalie is better than yours.

You can win games that way, play an exciting brand but damn tough to win a cup that way.

It's a hard cap world. No team is without weaknesses and strengths it's up to the coach to make the best of what he has, and probably more important doesn't have, and build systems around both.

Now that I'm ranting I watch the Ozone as much or more as to how a team plays D. Every team from jrs to the NHL sags 5 below the dots, some more than others, but in the Ozone if I see a team consistently with a 3rd forward high they are schemed to play defensive as much as when I see 5 guys sagged below the dots......... More than 1 way to skin a cat and IMO it's much easier to stop a team from scoring by slowing them from the starting line not allowing a clean exit, lanes or odd man than sagging 5 below the dots.

“Once you kind of get used to the game and realize you don’t have three or four seconds with the puck and that you’re down to one or half a second — I’m starting to realize that and implement that in my game."

This quote from Entwistle really seems to hit on the developmental hurdle each player needs to cross. Some can think faster and make the adjustment; others don't. Whether they can is hard to predict, and is why drafting and development is such a crapshoot.
- mohel

Yep, thinking the game fast is the way to play fast not skating fast. Is there a faster player than Perlini? The only way to combat the loss of time and space is to think faster ............... This is why I liked so much Boqvist was up for a handful of games. He got to experience the speed, and size, of an NHL regular season game (and IMO was not overwhelmed) Simply no replacing that experience and is really valuable in developing.

Vegas just put Toews’ next winger on waivers - Brandon Pirri.

Rick, cmon you don't owe me any apologies my point in that post was you lost objectivity IMO responding to my post where I never said I admired TOR's D that IMO Ceci's surprisingly solid play eating 22:00, I'm a fan of Muzzin, they have 2-1/2 PP QB's and they now have a solid top 3 and are probably better swapping Ceci for Gardiner.

So please, no apologies needed. You're a guy who sees the value in a Bouwmeester and a Sopel and the value in a Gus when properly slotted. I read guys like that.

And hell yea defense is a 5 man exercise. Structure man, structure. A young goalie is taught the puck always moves faster than you do so positioning is job 1. Same for a group, the puck moves faster than your feet so structure is paramount in defending but due to roster weaknesses systems are tweaked to mask them. As we have seen with the Hawks a tweak to a system can accentuate the roster strengths and mask the weakness, at least in theory. Seems the Leafs are built the same way, trade chances and we're betting our finishers and goalie is better than yours.

You can win games that way, play an exciting brand but damn tough to win a cup that way.

It's a hard cap world. No team is without weaknesses and strengths it's up to the coach to make the best of what he has, and probably more important doesn't have, and build systems around both.

Now that I'm ranting I watch the Ozone as much or more as to how a team plays D. Every team from jrs to the NHL sags 5 below the dots, some more than others, but in the Ozone if I see a team consistently with a 3rd forward high they are schemed to play defensive as much as when I see 5 guys sagged below the dots......... More than 1 way to skin a cat and IMO it's much easier to stop a team from scoring by slowing them from the starting line not allowing a clean exit, lanes or odd man than sagging 5 below the dots.
- Mr Ricochet

Couldn't agree more about coaches understanding what they have to work with and implementing a system that gives their players best chance to succeed.

My best example so far this year is Claude Julien with the Habs. He has that team operating at a far higher level collectively than what you would think they can do when you look at their individual parts. Of course, it helps to have Carey Price guarding the cage most nights. Last night they took the best team in the NHL right out of their game and made them do things they aren't good at.

The worst examples of not adapting are Mike Babcock and until a few games ago Mr. Colliton. Babcock has a system and there is no room for adjustment. Instead he would prefer to change out players which is why he frequently tells his GM he wants players who play a heavier game.

Colliton - remains to be seen about him and his staff. I don't think they are a playoff team in the West but great goaltending can make a coach look like he knows what he is doing. I would much rather have a 'been around the league' guy behind the bench with this team. At this point in his career, JC won't outcoach many NHL bench bosses.

My current favourite coach - Bruce Cassidy with the Boston Brutes. I'd love to see what he would do with Toews' game over a season. I think the result would be much like what you see out of Patrice Bergeron.

A few Rockford observations:

Delia is dropping fast in the goalie depth chart with some poor play lately. He seems to have trouble tracking the puck and controlling rebounds.

Lankinen is distancing himself as #1 in the system with consistent, reliable play. Tomkins holding his own and giving Delia a run for his money as well.

Tuulola is one tough customer regulating anyone who tries to crash the crease. Love the way he and Carlsson play with physicality and a mean streak.

Why is Fortin not in Indy with Knott and Noel? For a guy who should have disruptive speed, he barely uses it and is irrelevant most of the time.

Soderlund needs to play every game rather than every 1-2 games. He busts his tail every shift playing in traffic.
- AEL_Fox

Thanks good info . Never was sold on Delia .Remember Soderlund during WJC was said if he only PK for the HAWKS they have a winner .

Couldn't agree more about coaches understanding what they have to work with and implementing a system that gives their players best chance to succeed.

My best example so far this year is Claude Julien with the Habs. He has that team operating at a far higher level collectively than what you would think they can do when you look at their individual parts. Of course, it helps to have Carey Price guarding the cage most nights. Last night they took the best team in the NHL right out of their game and made them do things they aren't good at.

The worst examples of not adapting are Mike Babcock and until a few games ago Mr. Colliton. Babcock has a system and there is no room for adjustment. Instead he would prefer to change out players which is why he frequently tells his GM he wants players who play a heavier game.

Colliton - remains to be seen about him and his staff. I don't think they are a playoff team in the West but great goaltending can make a coach look like he knows what he is doing. I would much rather have a 'been around the league' guy behind the bench with this team. At this point in his career, JC won't outcoach many NHL bench bosses.

My current favourite coach - Bruce Cassidy with the Boston Brutes. I'd love to see what he would do with Toews' game over a season. I think the result would be much like what you see out of Patrice Bergeron.
- RickJ

Just a brief note. I enjoyed the back and forth between you and Rico this morning.

Thanks Theo! Appreciate the scouting and observations. How have Kurashev and Entwistle looked? If you've posted something already, may have missed it.
- HawkintheD

Kurashev is playing similarly to Beaudin: quietly nailing the fundamentals to be an effective player. Smart, simple plays. His offensive stats haven't caught up yet but not an issue as a rookie who competes in all zones.

What I like about Kurashev is that he persists through the checking, hitting, clutching, and grabbing and drives through the center lane. He and Soderlund are anything but perimeter forwards.

Entwistle is forming the Hogs most consistent line across 200 feet with Johnson and Moutrey. They're not going to rack up points but they forecheck, cycle, and agitate in the O zone and backcheck with gumption in the D zone.

The thing that stands out most with Entwistle and that will make him a fan favorite is his superiority along the boards and other 50/50 battles. Really hard to beat him. Other teams try to overpower him and fail. He's a big kid who will only get stronger.

Couldn't agree more about coaches understanding what they have to work with and implementing a system that gives their players best chance to succeed.

My best example so far this year is Claude Julien with the Habs. He has that team operating at a far higher level collectively than what you would think they can do when you look at their individual parts. Of course, it helps to have Carey Price guarding the cage most nights. Last night they took the best team in the NHL right out of their game and made them do things they aren't good at.

The worst examples of not adapting are Mike Babcock and until a few games ago Mr. Colliton. Babcock has a system and there is no room for adjustment. Instead he would prefer to change out players which is why he frequently tells his GM he wants players who play a heavier game.

Colliton - remains to be seen about him and his staff. I don't think they are a playoff team in the West but great goaltending can make a coach look like he knows what he is doing. I would much rather have a 'been around the league' guy behind the bench with this team. At this point in his career, JC won't outcoach many NHL bench bosses.

My current favourite coach - Bruce Cassidy with the Boston Brutes. I'd love to see what he would do with Toews' game over a season. I think the result would be much like what you see out of Patrice Bergeron.
- RickJ

No matter the coach or players the last decade plus you gotta have the Bruins up there as the most structured of teams. Gaining every single inch of ice is like pulling teeth. A classic example of a top 4 forwards and a true bottom 6 that plays that way. They are offensively dynamic without 4 scoring lines, their PP has much to do with this, a true bottom 6, excellent goaltending, a mixture of grit and skill/speed on the backend and structure......... Cassidy makes it work.

I use Reddit for my watching and the guy I click on did not have the Bruin game so I started with the Canadiens game. Price was barraged for the first 5 minutes, 4-5 Grade A stops 3-4 minutes in and I thought WSH was gonna pound em. Switched 10 minutes in to the USHL game, goalie Scott Clemmensen's Des Moines club vs the NTDP U-18's, and was shocked to see MTL won on the road 5-2 outshooting the Caps 40-28.

Funny you mention Julien and JC in your post. Think Julien, and old school guy who insists on playing the game the right way, communicates well with his players? As I understand it an NHL coach has his assistants speak to his players 9 times out of 10.............

I distinctly remember Stan and Shovel Face pushing how well JC communicates with his players when they hired him. I'm on the fence about JC. IMO they need to see what he can do before moving on. Hate to see a revolving door of coaches. This is where I want a hockey man as prez, have an organIzational plan that he oversees, hire people to carry out that plan and stick to it.

Vegas just put Toews’ next winger on waivers - Brandon Pirri.
- DarthKane

Let’s waive Saad to make room for him.

Here was something on Entwistle from Second City...

https://www.secondcityhoc...e-hogs-update-projections
- HawkintheD

Great article. The things that stand out are that he's very coachable and will do whatever it takes to help the team win including be on both special teams. Agree with King that there's no doubt he is a future NHLer.

Fun tidbits at the end how he and Hagel are roommates. Hagel is the cook but he loves to barbecue. They like to hang out a lot at the Sikura brothers' house where Moutrey also lives.

Darth ISN'T serious? ... Mind blown! So he DOESN'T really like & DIDN'T really want the hawks to draft Cole Caufield.
- I Am The Breadman

Objective...not objective??? I read a lot of Rick’s posts the way I read Darth’s. He’s just a little less obvious. I still crack up when someone asks Darth if he’s being serious or not. Absolute GOLD!

Afa the Leafs hate goes, I’ve never had to read between the lines where Rick and Paul are concerned. I get it. Didn’t grow up in Detroit but my dislike for them is still strong whether they are in our division or not.
- HawkintheD

Good morning, Theo. I really enjoy these glimpses into individuals at Rock. Thanks for the regular updates. I was wondering if you had opinions on who was distancing themselves as potential NHL contributors from career AHLers? From your eye test, as well as guesstimating, who deserves their cup of coffee with the hawks first & when do you think they make the big club to stay? Ignoring the full roster that the hawks are close to having.
- I Am The Breadman

There are standouts who are distancing themselves so far as players who could play roles on the Hawks. The toughest part is that there are no spots available so I put a guess at timeline for each of them. Most would seem to be ready by the date listed but may not have a chance until later unless there are injuries and/or trades.

FORWARD
Sikura (2019-20)
Highmore (2019-20)
Entwistle (2020-21)
Kurashev (2021-22)
Soderlund (2021-22)
Johnson (2021-22)

DEFENSE
Boqvist (2019-20)
Carlsson (2019-20)
Beaudin (2021-22)
Krys (2021-22)

Even though Gilbert was most improved Hog last season from start to finish, he really hasn't been that good this season in Rockford even after his stint with the Hawks. For a big guy, he gets knocked around a lot.

How has Kurashev looked so far? He was the guy I was banking on to become the cream of the crop there but his stats appear to be underwhelming.
- 67hawks

Hey 67. See my earlier post above about Kurashev (and Entwistle) in response to HawkintheD.

Carpenter-Dach-Smith I remember some people on here scoffing at the notion not too long ago
- eagle50

I still don’t like it. Dach should be with Toews and Saad. Shaw can replace Dach on the 4th line. Nylander can replace Shaw and play with Kampf and Kubalik. Minor tweaks that I believe would help the overall lineup.

I still don’t like it. Dach should be with Toews and Saad. Shaw can replace Dach on the 4th line. Nylander can replace Shaw and play with Kampf and Kubalik. Minor tweaks that I believe would help the overall lineup.
- SimpleJack

If Dach is a center & doing well as a center, shouldn't he continue to play/develop as a center?

There are standouts who are distancing themselves so far as players who could play roles on the Hawks. The toughest part is that there are no spots available so I put a guess at timeline for each of them. Most would seem to be ready by the date listed but may not have a chance until later unless there are injuries and/or trades.

FORWARD
Sikura (2019-20)
Highmore (2019-20)
Entwistle (2020-21)
Kurashev (2021-22)
Soderlund (2021-22)
Johnson (2021-22)

DEFENSE
Boqvist (2019-20)
Carlsson (2019-20)
Beaudin (2021-22)
Krys (2021-22)

Even though Gilbert was most improved Hog last season from start to finish, he really hasn't been that good this season in Rockford even after his stint with the Hawks. For a big guy, he gets knocked around a lot.
- AEL_Fox

Okay, looks good & has me excited for the future. Yeah, I know there are currently no spots available, just wanted to ignore that for the moment.

I love the Shaw trade, both I guess, but wasn't Krys one of the pics we used in that trade? I'm not trying to be greedy, well sort of, but what is wrong with his play? Develop slower, or what?

“Once you kind of get used to the game and realize you don’t have three or four seconds with the puck and that you’re down to one or half a second — I’m starting to realize that and implement that in my game."

This quote from Entwistle really seems to hit on the developmental hurdle each player needs to cross. Some can think faster and make the adjustment; others don't. Whether they can is hard to predict, and is why drafting and development is such a crapshoot.
- mohel

Yeah, that quote stood out to me, too. One Hogs player who is finally starting to get the pro speed factor is Krys. Since the start of the season, he has shown the most progress making smarter and safer plays. He's learning to slow the game down rather than play fast which led to constant mistakes.

Big fan of this kid. Wondering if you see a Kubalik lite in Soderlund? No he doesn't have the size or skill of Kubalik but he does have the speed, hair on fire forecheck and north-south gets pucks and people to the net mentality.
- Mr Ricochet

You and me both, Rico. Really love this kid and think he could also be a fan favorite like Entwistle if he ever makes it.

Could he be like Kubalik? The skill, effort, and energy are there and Soderlund has an A+ shot to go along with his blinding speed.

However, what isn't there is the opportunity. He's a healthy scratch at least every other game and he plays limited minutes in the bottom 6. I would like to see how he fares playing with more skilled linemates and more ice time.

If Dach is a center & doing well as a center, shouldn't he continue to play/develop as a center?
- I Am The Breadman

I think he’s been playing a lot on the wing too. Against Vegas he took just one face off. Carpenter had 15, Smith had 5.

Far too early in his career to make him a true center and keep him there if it weakens the overall lineup.

Right now the way he’s playing he would look great on Toews wing. Shaw makes much more sense as a 4th liner/grinder than Kirby Dach.

Agree, and it's not just about kids. Seabrook is a very good hockey player in all aspects except one. He needs too much time because his mobility isn't even NHL average, never was, and it's only getting worse as the league gets younger and faster. But he knows how to play.
The next thing I would look for is can a player quickly figure out where the play is going and get there first or does he just follow the play and hope to catch up to it. As a kid with good speed grows up he can catch up to the play. But as he advances it becomes more difficult and the question becomes can he figure out almost instantly which way to go to be most effective. I think that's one of the main reasons a player who lights up a major junior league and seems to be a can't miss high draft prospect doesn't pan out as a star player. So like you said, drafting and development is a crap shoot.
- 6628

The bolded part is what separates a prospect like Sikura from one like Fortin: being able to process the game quickly to calculate options before they happen and putting themselves in situations during a shift to make an impact with or without the puck.

Sikura does this extremely well. On the flipside is Fortin. As others have described his game, Fortin simply runs out of runway because he skates himself into a turnover situation since he doesn't know what to do next.

Vegas just put Toews’ next winger on waivers - Brandon Pirri.
- DarthKane

Finally, (your) serious about something

Pirri's offensive prowess, should get Toews going again.

James Mirtle
✔
@mirtle

The Leafs have two regulation wins in their last 14 games.
2,252
8:51 PM - Nov 15, 2019