Man when this team gets better at playing team defense Knight is going to be really hard to score against.

Nazar looks like he's getting a feel for NHL hockey, things to work on but looking good.
- BetweenTheDots

Right now, he's the best F on the team.

(and that's a great thing!)

While I don't agree with this, i could see a debate where Bedard at W vs. C is logical to have.

I'd like to see couple games to end the season with a line of Bedard, Nazar and Moore
- vabeachbear

Same, it's getting to the point of where he needs to get moved off to wing when the team is more competitive.

Same, it's getting to the point of where he needs to get moved off to wing when the team is more competitive.
- Assman22

IDK, that psss to Mikhayev on his goal reminded me of Mikita to Wharram. When the Hawks get more competitive, late in the games they can have a second center out to take the draw if there is a defensive zone faceoffs ( assuming an NHL quality coach is behind the bench).

IDK, that psss to Mikhayev on his goal reminded me of Mikita to Wharram. When the Hawks get more competitive, late in the games they can have a second center out to take the draw if there is a defensive zone faceoffs ( assuming an NHL quality coach is behind the bench).
- LAHawk

It was a great pass, however, Kane made a few good passes from the wing in his time here

Right now, he's the best F on the team.

(and that's a great thing!)
- vabeachbear

Well i think he has a chance to be a top 6 forward, his all around game is very good.

So we have Bedard definitely top 6 forward be it at wing or center

Now Nazar possible. If Reichel becomes one great but right now he's not

Still hiding behind all the other D prospects is Nolan Allan. Liked his game in the WHL and he seemed to enjoy rubbing guys out on the boards; but probably won't be a great offense guy ever. Though he would need 2 years in the AHL but played some in the NHL this year and is even a little ahead of schedule.

- totem

I thin k that Allan got dinged up while promoted. I agree there is lots to like in his robust physical game, and enough iQ to know when to jump up into the attack.
He isn't out pf the photo just yet, but we know they are going to start understanding that in the near future unless they are emergency call ups, these kids will have to pass waivers to get sent back.


Afterthought

All thsi Bedard wing or centre horsefaethers b/c he is playing in his teenage years b/c he is an offensive generator.
I just don't understand how anybody on the current roster can replace and aid Bedard's attcaking skills.
When he arrives, I will let you know.

I thin k that Allan got dinged up while promoted. I agree there is lots to like in his robust physical game, and enough iQ to know when to jump up into the attack.
He isn't out pf the photo just yet, but we know they are going to start understanding that in the near future unless they are emergency call ups, these kids will have to pass waivers to get sent back.


Afterthought

All thsi Bedard wing or centre horsefaethers b/c he is playing in his teenage years b/c he is an offensive generator.
I just don't understand how anybody on the current roster can replace and aid Bedard's attcaking skills.
When he arrives, I will let you know.
- wiz1901

That’s right Wiz, he’s an offensive generator. I’m sure the coaches of the opposition keep reminding their players not to let Bedard beat them. Look at Mikheyev’s goal when he beat Timmins with his speed, Timmins took a step towards Bedard first, that allowed Mikheyev to use his speed to blow past Timmins. The kid attracts defenders like crap attracts flies and he’s 19. Give him a legitimate sniper and another offensive option and you won’t hear anymore complaints about Bedard.

I thin k that Allan got dinged up while promoted. I agree there is lots to like in his robust physical game, and enough iQ to know when to jump up into the attack.
He isn't out pf the photo just yet, but we know they are going to start understanding that in the near future unless they are emergency call ups, these kids will have to pass waivers to get sent back.

- wiz1901

Bet you're pretty happy to see your favorite hockey blogger Pronman eat crow this morning via the piece from Powers on Nazar's NHL success thus far?!

Can you imagine if they didn't have the two line rule back in Stan's day? I hope next preseason we see Lardis on the wing with Bedard. It would be interesting.

Can you imagine if they didn't have the two line rule back in Stan's day? I hope next preseason we see Lardis on the wing with Bedard. It would be interesting.
- bjphawkfan

You won’t. Lardis will have his hands full in Rockford.

You won’t. Lardis will have his hands full in Rockford.
- Assman22

I don’t see any chance of Lardis in Chicago next season. And unless he or Bedard become significantly better defensively and at battling for pucks I can’t imagine them being on the same line unless it’s on the power play.

I thin k that Allan got dinged up while promoted. I agree there is lots to like in his robust physical game, and enough iQ to know when to jump up into the attack.
He isn't out pf the photo just yet, but we know they are going to start understanding that in the near future unless they are emergency call ups, these kids will have to pass waivers to get sent back.


Afterthought

All thsi Bedard wing or centre horsefaethers b/c he is playing in his teenage years b/c he is an offensive generator.
I just don't understand how anybody on the current roster can replace and aid Bedard's attcaking skills.
When he arrives, I will let you know.
- wiz1901

Bedard needs to attack with more speed. Seeing him pull up and slow down too much. Teams are jumping him when he tries to pull up and dish. I also think he needs to mix up his shots a bit and get off a quicker shot every now and then. Keeps guys off balance.

He's trying on D a lot more this season. Just looks like a kid out there against grown men at times.

I agree Wiz, Donato and Mik aren't those guys. Those are retread bottom 6 guys. Donato just happens to be having a career year.

Bedard tried to shoot a puck in off Donato's leg yesterday. Not sure if anyone saw that. Not a tip play. He legit tried to shoot it off Donato's leg.

I don’t see any chance of Lardis in Chicago next season. And unless he or Bedard become significantly better defensively and at battling for pucks I can’t imagine them being on the same line unless it’s on the power play.
- paulr

IMO stranger things have happened. Not saying he is going to make the NHL out of camp or is a lock.

The coaches and GM at times put a premium on guys who get results on the scoresheet, to the point where they sometimes overlook some deficiency.

I'm not saying they are exactly the same, but a 5 foot 8 Alex Debrincat at 20 years old played all 82 games directly out of junior. He hasn't been a total complete player at the NHL level, but he's found a niche. I think he Hawks will give Lardis a fair opportunity to carve out a spot in camp, if he shows up engaged, ready and he is coachable he will have a chance.

I just think, if a guy is averaging above a goal per game in Jr, you have to assume the coaches are going to take a look at how close he is to translating some of that to the NHL. He is playing wing at least rather than C or D which are more demanding of a guy being well rounded.

I think some of it will come down to how the rest of the roster looks. If the Hawks top 2 lines can draw the match ups, he could find some luck against the 3rd pair D types. Maybe he starts his NHL career kind of like Reichel's usage right now, lower minutes and situational deployment. I think it will depend what the roster looks like after the summer. If the Hawks load up with more vets or make some trades, we'll get a much better picture of just what might be up for grabs come the fall.

Bedard needs to attack with more speed. Seeing him pull up and slow down too much. Teams are jumping him when he tries to pull up and dish. I also think he needs to mix up his shots a bit and get off a quicker shot every now and then. Keeps guys off balance.

He's trying on D a lot more this season. Just looks like a kid out there against grown men at times.

I agree Wiz, Donato and Mik aren't those guys. Those are retread bottom 6 guys. Donato just happens to be having a career year.

Bedard tried to shoot a puck in off Donato's leg yesterday. Not sure if anyone saw that. Not a tip play. He legit tried to shoot it off Donato's leg.
- bhawks2241

You think he hit Donato on purpose? I assumed it was just a misfire, that he hit him. It would be interesting if anyone asked Bedard about that shot.

I agree with you about speed. I feel like Bedard while very skilled, he hasn't been hard to contain. I think back to Patrick Kane, and how he would have defenders really on their heels. They were afraid he would make them look silly and he would back them off, it would make more room for himself. Bedard has not quite managed to do that yet on a regular basis. If he can maybe attack with a bit more north south speed, he might even draw a few more penalties in the process and then start to back them off. I dunno, I could be wrong, but just my feeling.

You won’t. Lardis will have his hands full in Rockford.
- Assman22

I purposefully said preseason. I have no illusion that Lardis will make the NHL team next year.