All Niemi does is win games
ST. LOUIS – This is not meant to start another debate over the Blackhawks’ goaltending situation.
Cristobal Huet remains No. 1 in the mind of coach Joel Quenneville, but two things keep getting in the way:
All Antti Niemi does is steal games whenever he starts, like he did again on Saturday night against the Blues.
And why are there rumors out there suggesting Hawks general manager Stan Bowman is looking for goaltending insurance?
You can’t believe every rumor you read, and Bowman said as recently as three weeks ago that he liked Huet and Niemi, but many times in the NHL where's there's smoke, there's fire.
As it stands now with 24 games remaining in the season, Huet will start the Hawks’ first playoff game. Or will he? What if Niemi keeps playing great into April while Huet runs hot and cold, then what would Quenneville do?
Niemi made 34 saves in beating the Blues 2-1, many of them key stops at critical times. The kid (I know, he’s 26) appears to be the real deal.
Look at where Niemi has won big games – at Vancouver, at Pittsburgh, at Detroit (twice), at Boston, at Calgary and now at St. Louis.
Food for thought.
Is better from Niemi. As 6628 has told me, Huet doesn't have good balance on his skates. With Huet's unorthodox style he is flopping flat on the ice, not on his pads so you don't notice he isn't really a small size guy -- he's 6-1" over 200 pounds (not sure exact). Yet he is leaving too much net to shoot at. Lately he takes a lot of heat for questionable goals; often they aren't all his fault. But here's what it comes down to: The biggest problem is that whomever is your #1 goalie -- he has to stop the especially difficult shots. This year Huet has not stoped those sort of shots often enough. Granted, he isn't letting in as many softies this year. Nor making as many sensational saves as last year. It just makes more sense to give Niemi more time in net insofar as his development. Huet will be what he is even if he plays 50% of the games.
Perhaps next year Huet is moved. Much has to be determined before Huet were to leave. The AHL goalies and Niemi's development? Salary cap situation next year's team?
>If no goalie changes, look for Huet to start home playoff games, Niemi the road ones
>I would start Niemi on Tuesday to see if he can win at home consistently -- he has looked shaky in front of big UC crowds (this is not an endorsement of Huet in any way)
>Fix the PP once and for all -- players and scheme -- go to the 1-3-1 as the primary formation -- no Buff on the point -- he is a turnover machine from there
>Get Hossa's line right -- agree that he needs a center -- hope it is Bolland
>Get Campbell's play back to that 4 week stretch where he was a real factor
>Adapt to the "unofficial" rules changes -- where obstruction and excessive stickwork -- especially on the hands are being allowed (Keith is most affected by this)
>Start "obstructing" the other teams forecheck and reestablish the fierce Hawk forecheck
>Get Kane's shifts under control -- he never wants to leave the ice -- and the rest of the team is beginning to take shifts that are too long
Byfuglien has 52 goals and 48 assists in 236 career games. Is that someone you want at the point of your top power playing unit or on one of your top lines??? I do not.
Do you think Hossa is pining for his Detroit days? First he has had to play on the 2nd line with a winger as his center (Sharp) then last night a recovering Bolland centered with Kopecky on wing. This is one of the best players in the world and they cannot give him 2 top 6 forwards on his line. Maybe now he knows how Rick Nash feels.
Hawks may know they are tough. But every once in a while you need to outwardly display that toughness with a few fights and ferocius checks so that the opponent knows you are tough. No one is intimidated by the Hawks right now. Say what you want about their speed and skill. In the playoffs you need sandpaper and muscle to go along with it.
Rank your top needs. Here are mine:
#1 Goalie
A goalie that you can win the cup with. But I do not think hoping that you can get one is realistic. There are none available. Look at the teams out of the playoff picture or those offering a great goalie. The only possible goalies are Cam Ward and Turco. Are they that much better than Huet or Niemmi? What is your opinion? Would you take Pekka Rinne from Nashville? He is cheap. He may not help you this year. But then you would have two young cheap good Fin's as your goalies of the future. I do not think Bowman can fix the goaltending this year. I think you play both our current goalies for stretches of 4 or 5 games in a row and see how your team plays for both. Your team will tell you who they believe in. My guess is Niemmi. My bet - no movement.
#4/5 defenseman
Could you could get Wisnewski or Niedemayer for Barker and draft pick(s) (not first or 2nd round), even if only as rent a players. Could you get them both for Barker, Byfuglien, Skille, Bickell and 3rd round draft picks?? I would keep Campbell and Hjalmarrson as the 3rd and 4th defensemen. But when shorthanded I would put Sopel and Wisnewski as the 2nd pair. At the end of games when protecting a lead I would put Wisnewski and Hjalmarrson together. My bet - Scott Niedemayer, welcome to Chicago.
#2 Center
I am a huge Bolland fan. But you need insurance at center. Leave the first line of Kane, Toews, Sharp. Put Hossa, Bolland, Ladd on the 2nd line. Then Versteeg, Madden, Brouwer on the 3rd Line. That leaves a 4th line of Eager, Fraser and Byfuglien (or Kopecky if I could trade Byfuglien for draft picks). My bet - They pick up a 2nd or 3rd line center for insurance.
Sorry Byfuglien and Barker but Stan Bowman would like a minute with you.
I would love to have them move Campbell and Huet for cap space. But that is not going to happen.
Ditto!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have no idea why Q acts like this guy is still; rehabbing. And he is on the 2nd PP unit...UGH.
Yes, I agree with posts that Niemi should get an extended look to see whether he's the long-term answer. All indications are that he has elite potential, and he has won some big games in unfriendly buildings. Just a thought, I know we all hate Jackman's guts, but isn't he just the sort of nasty defenseman we could use patrolling our blue-line? I love the idea of getting Wiz back, but I'm thinking it might be easier to pry a guy like Jackman loose from a team that doesn't appear playoff bound. Yeah, I know he's a jackass, loves to cross-check, and runs guys with their backs turned, but we might feel a little differently if he were doing those bad-boy things on our behalf. I don't know, I just think we need somebody with a bad attitude back there.
Anyone who thinks Cristobal Huet is the answer is smoking dope. And does anyone get the same feeling Cristobal Huet is using the name "boldirev" as his login at Daily Herald.com?
ARE thinnking Huet is "the answer" must be the one smoking the strong herbs down part toke reasonable limits.
I think everyone here is reality-based and knows
GOALTENDING is a HUGE PART of EVERY WIN.
that
THERE ARE ONLY A HALF DOZEN ELITE GOALERS
and
WE LOVE OUR HOCKEY TEAM
and KNOW
THE UPGRADE ON GOALTENDING is NOT there RIGHT NOW in trade,
and,
WE ALL WANT SO BADLY TO WIN A CUP we worry about,
ENOUGH SCORING
ENOUGH TOUGHNESS
ENOUGH DEFENSE
and ENOUGH
GOALTENDING
EVERYone Agree?
If you want to make a trade for a goalie - it can be done if you want.
The Hawks are tough enough - no worries.
But if the Hawks don't get a goalie, then i worry about "ENOUGH SCORING" and "ENOUGH DEFENSE"
tough enough? name 1, i'll sit down and laugh if you tell me barker,burrish, eager ect.(he didn't even dress for a renegade game!)i'm on your side about defense,scoring and netminding, but no way toughness,i posted on that very issue on tims column regarding lastnites game. when you read it keep it in your mind i said "for the long haul ,not so much for the playoffs".you need someone who can actually throw em' with authority,not bitch slap and grab ass. i might actually have a few that will agree with me.later buddy!
the teams with legitimate enforcers are looking up at the Hawks in the standings.
That should tell you a lot.
Last year we heard the same criticisms about the Hawks, and how Calgary and then--after Calgary was dispatched--Vancouver were going to run the Blackhawks thru the boards and out of the playoffs.
Who actually beat the Hawks? The skilled Red Wings.
I can't name one - but we do have team toughness. I kind of chuckled when Fraser got in a few scraps.
For example - take a look at last years playoffs. Everyone was so worried that Calgary and Vancouver were going to kill us physically because we were smaller and not tough. I thought the Hawks rose to the occasion and played great. One can also include last nights Blues game - St Louis was pounding us with nasty body checks in the first period - the Hawks held their own and guess what - 2-0 Hawks lead. That is what matters. Do you really think Jackman is going to stop running Kane or Toews if given the opportunity. Many times your enforcer is fighting the other teams fighter - what good is that?
If you are looking for a protector or cheap shot artist, those guys usually don't play much and take alot of penalties. Plus a few instigator penalities or cheap shots and this guy is sitting for a couple of games. Plus how much do you want to pay this guy for three minutes a night. Also these guys kind of take away from what is really good about hockey and this blackhawk team. An effective 4th line is huge or an additional guy that can play those extra minutes.
The only good for this type of guy and fighting are for a few things - when your enforcer gets in a fight: to take the best player off on the other team or to give their team a little adrenaline boost or for some exitement in a boring game or blowout game.
Hey - no problem sthsnc72 - we look at the game a little differently.
The one game i want to see - Rangers vs the Flyers. Carcillo is a marked man.
you got it, i look at it like you do,but we've been spoiled here with having al secord, curt frasor,then the ultimate warrior bob probert. my philosophy is "hold court immediately" and all the bow crap stops
you got it, i look at it like you do,but we've been spoiled here with having al secord, curt frasor,then the ultimate warrior bob probert. my philosophy is "hold court immediately" and all the bow crap stops
There is no fighting in playoff hockey or if there is, it's minimal! Calgary tried to bring the toughness game last year, and the Hawks responded pretty well. We don't have the heavy weights but we can hold our own...
anything we would acquire would be a luxury,,,very few teams have the depth at Forward and defence that we do!
where? who? teams will amp it up this year as the hawks are considered an elite time and you would like to have the luxury of protection for yor skill.it's not set in stone there is no fighting in the playoffs, i bet st.louis vs. the hawks would get nasty. vancouver would get pretty ugly also! they didn't forget!!you just don't want anyone ran without an answer back!
where? who? teams will amp it up this year as the hawks are considered an elite time and you would like to have the luxury of protection for yor skill.it's not set in stone there is no fighting in the playoffs, i bet st.louis vs. the hawks would get nasty. vancouver would get pretty ugly also! they didn't forget!!you just don't want anyone ran without an answer back!
You are like a child in the back seat of the family truckster on a long cross country road trip. Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet?
Except with you it's we need a goon, we need a goon, we need a goon. Ever since you started posting here, it's seems as if you post at least once a day, and say the same thing over and over and over and over and over and over.......
It's getting really old. So pretty please, with sugar on top, share with us a new thought.
i know it gets old,bypass it then, there are others who feel the same, there are others who bash huet daily,but we all have one thing in mind,that the hawks win! hey the olympics are coming up so you can get your fill of figureskating! we'll stick to the hockey as it should be played ! say hi to peggy fleming !!
So are you seriously saying that Boogard, the man you seem to want on the Hawks more than any other, plays the game the way it's supposed to be played? Please tell me you are not saying that.
nice summation Wiz!
another example of someone who cant take someone having a diff opinion other than there own!
I didnt initiate with you or YP...i was responding to your insult!
but you can go back and read the details yourself!!
Barker is getting worse......He is almost un-trade able he is playing that bad.
As for Cambell.....Sorry but he needs to go, or send him to Rockford and cut his deal in half...He is worth about 3 million per year, it was a bad signing, time to cut bait.
I am not going to lose a Sharp.Steeg/Buff (playing like crap to), to keep a floater who hates to get hit and makes horrible passes.
Unfortunately, Boldy may be right for once. You are trying to create a goalie controversy after reading your article; even though you really don't want to.
You may want to say - "I really don't want to start a goal tender debate but lets look at the facts". then say Huet is the number 1 but Niemi just wins games. I saw some stat that said Niemi is the best in some category.
It is no secret that the Hawks have goaltending issues - what do we need? And Tim, you are a chicken to not report this! Do we need another 4 or 5 million dollar man on defense. Actually a barker for wiz is a great trade - wiz can soak up minutes, bring some physical muscle if necessary. In fairness to barker, he might be hurt which might explain some of his poor play of late. We just need a solid dependable defensemen that is cheap to soak up minutes to help Keith and Seabrook, if he brings some offense, that is a bonus.
Huet will have to go sooner or later - - otherwise we will have the same problem next season. If Versteeg goes, it is ok. He really seems to be the odd man out. I like Versteeg - this kid has talent, but needs a few years. Versteeg definitely excels playing with other team members with offensive talent. Versteeg did well playing with Sharp and the Toews line. What sucks - Versteeg, Buff and Barker had some good games in the playoffs last year and were instrumental in playoff victories.
Top: I know I'm the new guy here but hear me out. You tell Tim to be honest but then you tell him how to put a politcally correct spin on what he wants to say. What we need is for the media to write more articles like Tim's and give their HONEST opinion. I actually thought it was a breath of fresh air to read that because he called it like he sees it. Whether I agree is not the point, btw I do, it's to hear someones honest thoughts. Thats why I like this blog because its good to read a passionate fans thoughts on OUR team. In fact I enjoy your posts.
I dont care if im right or wrong really ...i just love to read/talk/discuss about anything hawks! I do understand sarcasm as well so no worries
I know the game and watch the little things so im not force fed the announcer`s view of who made a great play (w/puck) or who made the save!
I know you laughed at my Byfuglien hockey sense comment but thats the type of thing im interested in watching. A lot of those little things that make teams successful are not interesting as a goal or a shutout and thus never are discussed here!
but in the end no one is beyond being tooken to task for comments..certainly not myself
Dallas beat Phoenix 4 -0 last night. The Tuesday night game will not be easy and with Huet in net - the Hawks will have to score lots of goals. The Hawks need a two or three goal lead early to win the game. If the Hawks are down early, then Dallas will gum it up pretty good and it will not be easy for the Hawks to come back.
I also saw Detroit lost 3 more players yesterday - not sure for how long.
Hawks need to work on the PP. Buf was removed from the pp in the 3rd period. The only thing buf brings to the power play playing the point, is the shot, otherwise he is a liability with bad passes, poor keep in attempts, and bad judgement. I do like seeing Barker playing the pp, he did well last year and was ok before his injury - -- plus that saves Keith some playing time.
Top Shelf
Want to mention that Bufuglien may have broken more sticks than actual shots he was able to unload on powerplay. Sooner or later Q will agree with your other points about Bufuglien on powerplay. I had wondered if Q had the idea that Bufuglien on point was a way to rest Seabrook? As for Barker on the PP, he takes way too long to unload his cannon shot. I don't believe everyone is enamored with Barker; who says Murray even wants him? BTW: He is paid nearly identical dollars as Wisniewski pact. As for some other post: Skille is a throw in. Nobody really wants him. Other teams have forwards in the minors similar to a Bickel. Anaheim has an extra forward, not really a great prospect, but serviceable in Sexton. Murray would be after a prospect he really likes, or draft choices.
The really big question about Wisniewski remains: Can his knee withstand one more big hit? The really big question with Versteeg is, has he reached his top level ability? Would he eer score a point/game as a top six forward? Does he eventually accept that he cannot make some of his offensive plays, because they don't work? Will he make a better defensive effort/how is it he makes those bone headed plays in the defensive end of ice? Now is the time to trade Barker and Versteeg, before their value erodes. But only for a player(s) whom are going to help us!
You wrote "Look at where Niemi has won big games – at Vancouver, at Pittsburgh, at Detroit (twice), at Boston, at Calgary and now at St. Louis."
Huet has won big games at San Jose (twice, 3-1 overall vs SJ) at Calgary At St Louis plus he has shut out Detroit and St Louis at home!
You say you dont want to turn this into a debate over goalies but that is just what you have done! This article is clearly tilted towards Niemi and Nobody (including you) mentioned the exceptional crease work by the defense last night....that was the key in giving Niemi the vision to see all those shots otherwise those rebounds would have cost us!
NHL starters should not give up all those rebounds when they see the puck!!!!
The one goal was a result of traffic in front and the only one of the game on net...go ahead check it out! (but im not faulting him on a 5 on 3 dont get me wrong) He played a great game but lets not get ahead of ourselves!!
...that a "back-up" goalie gets so many starts against premier teams? 10 of his 19 starts have been against upper echelon teams (not including Boston twice and Anaheim twice).
I think that is the point Tim and others are trying to make and not a Huet v Niemi comparison. I don't think he was calling Huet out.
"That was one of those games where you can call it a goalie win for us," Hawks coach Joel Quenneville said. "We were coming off some disappointing games here and he was great."
He had "goalie wins" in Vancouver (1-0) and Detroit (4-3) - not something one expects from a back-up.
I think it's time for Quennville to hitch his saddle to Niemi and ride him for awhile and see if he can be the number one. Maybe Huet is better playing spot duty and giving Niemi a break here and there because it's pretty clear he doesn't have the the intestinal fortitude to handle the #1 job and the ups and downs that come with being THE guy. We still don't know if Niemi can handle it, either, since he's not been given the chance but you've got to like how he moves in the crease and sees the puck, two things that Huet struggles with consistently.
Im all for him winning the job and i see your point.
but we need 2 goalies for the year and i have seen very little difference in their play so far this year and agree with Sharps post game comments assessment.
Let's go with your 2 goalie parody. I don't agree, but am willing to play it out for the moment.
With that being the case, shouldn't Niemi get more starts? Something approximating 50%?
Also, shouldn't he get more than 1 back-to-back start?
I just don't understand why Niemi isn't being put to the test to see if can handle more. Have they already decided he can't?
It just doesn't add up.
Yes i agree 50/50 is good..just dont think he needs the pressure of being #1 right now!!
Huet also lost us a game to SJ where we outshot them 47-14. Niemi has a 43 save game @ Pitt, a shutout @ Detroit, @ Vancouver, and has consistently won on the road.
Huet at home: 15-4-2, 1.91 gaa, .914%
Huet on road: 9-7-2, 2.73 gaa, .891%
yea i really want that going on the road in a playoff series.
NIEMI ON THE ROAD:
8-2-1 (one loss came after Huet gave up 4 against Dallas, the Hawks tied it and Niemi gave up one goal that happened to be the winner), 1.48 gaa, .947%
who's better, luck or no luck?
we're still only going as far as the defense takes us, but Niemi will step up and steal a game more often then he'll bomb and lose one.
Ah, I've got it. Huet has pictures of YOU in a limo...
Apparently there are rumors about Turco coming here for Huet and a player. He has a cup already , and he could be a good pickup. I dont see Thomas moving , not from that team . Probably trying to light a fire under him . Wiz for Barker is a good move , Veersteeg better pick it up soon , Buff too . Veersteeg is one player I think alot of teams may want , and Q is getting tired of no production from that whole line, but Buff`s size will keep him here . What was that fight Barker . Throw a punch will ya
Some rumors either have more to them, or makes no sense.
Dallas doesn't have a great goaltender prospect. They have a goaltender back up whom would be a weak #1 in Auld. Comparable IMHO to Huet as a #1. What incentive is there for Dallas to take on Huet's contract? You would have to also be giving them something they really find attractive. And since Turco finally proved he can perform well and WIN in playoffs, he is worth something. Exactly what he is worth....is probably going to be a bidding contest...Dallas picks what they find more attractive ...IF he is even traded. Dallas is making noise about gaining entry into the playoffs. Good youngsters/veterans up front and on blueline. But tendency for some top line forwards to always get inj.
Detroit is looking like they will watch playoffs, not participate after loosing three more players yesterday. Calgary is going to make maybe another trade....Sutter will go down fighting for a playoff spot. Colorado may have its ups and downs, but the Avalanche and Coyotes are probably both in. Don't look too hard at each of the losses for those teams...because (for example) back-to-back road games on consecutive nights is not an indictment on their ability to make playoff when they loose the second of those contests.
I would like Southpaw post to give his analysis as of present moment what teams he feels make the final couple of spots in Western Conference. He watches the Avalanche. He also will see lots of games with their rivals like LA, Dallas, Minnesota, Anaheim. I'm betting Anaheim & Minnesota falls short. La is most likely in. Colorado, Dallas, Calgary are fighting hard for a spot and each has more talent than Minny (plus a starting goaltender whom isn't inj). More: Modano still contributing, Letntinen is like Drury on NYR/not the same player he once was -- inj & wear and tear have taken their toll. Detroit is a mystery due to the continuing injury saga. But big boost when Franzen returns soon AND Howard is strong in net.
BTW: Yes, Nashville is in. Trade Rhinne? Not now, if they even do. Is Hamhuis really available? Their big add: #1 Colin Wilson is tearing up the AHL last month or so. Hornqvist is legitimate scorer yet they still have scoring problems. They also will have to determine what role and can Blum and Ellis eventually play on their defense.
Two points about Avalanche. Anderson is likely not going to play horrible. He may not always be spectacular...but good enough. And this Yip addition is making a difference. How much does a Foote and Comiskey mean to their defense. Down the road, I wonder how soon a Shattenkirk can help them. Good recipe on Avalanche: lots of unsung heroes this year's team.
because they are not able to rely upon Pronger and (late last year) Beauchimin returned. They are stronger up front and the goaltending may prove very good, but they must have that tower of strength on the blueline. Wisniewski is a good player, perhaps not quiite as mobile and sometimes players skate around him. Wisniewski doesn't replace Pronger; he is a great fit with a Pronger on your defense. No doubt Anaheim can beat anyone, but in the end they will fall short. I could be wrong -- just my impression because playoff bound tams have best shot when their blueline is strong. Half the Ducks blueline is weak. After Niedermeyer, it's average at best. At least up front Selanne still good. Love Koviou but they need the defense from the back end.
TAKE HIS SELFISH ASS!!! Give him away to anyone who wants a 23 year old who thinks he's the next Gretzky and has no need to pass to teammates...he reminds me of Krik Hinrich with a basketball. He'll dribble, dribble, dribble, get himself in trouble and turn the ball over. In Versteeg's case it's skate, skate, skate, get in trouble and turn the puck over. He's not getting shots either because teams know you can force him wide and force him to spin out of the corners and make bad decisions.
When was the last time Versteeg passed the puck without deking 3 times first? Ever since that highlight goal against Columbus he no longer feels the need to use his teammates. Too bad his teammates could use his help in not turning the puck over at his own blueline.
They should get rid of him for his "GHEY" look in the llmo shots alone.
Levity aside, kid has hands and wheels but he is a prima donna and a black hole (puck goes in, but never comes back out) and a turonover machine. Also not physical at all.
The rumor that Bowman prefers him to Sharp proves one of two things: either rumors are mostly crap, or this franchise is in deep trouble.
Sharp doesn't skate as well as he used to and makes one mill/yr more than Versteeg.
What exactly is Versteeg's upside? Moreover, what does Scotty and son think is his upside? Is there room to believe in an improved Versteeg next fall a la Kane this year? Not really?
You win with more of this ingredient in playoffs than regular season: grit and answering the bell when things get nasty. Sorry, Buff had better be a force in front of the net or else he is 100% out of here. You cannot get away from this fact: a big player (biggest player on team) MUST show up WHEN necessary. Will Buff show up WHEN necessary often during regular season? Come on, he's one reason we wound up loosing some games. I've posted ad naseum on this. Will he show up in playoffs? Probably. But down the road I prefer the development and growing up process we will experience with an Aliu/Beech to softie Bufuglien. He makes my blood boil with his inherant "it's not in him" meaness. He just has to be a force when he has that size.
Yah, what was he gonna scratch his eyes out? What exactly was he doing?
agreed Barker didn't look great throwing 'em but give him props for having a sac and stepping up after Jackman took a run at Kane. Like to see that.
Also enjoyed seeing Brouwer blow up Jackman in the corner (with Toews).
Probably a last resort but if the 'Hawks already know how much coin it'll take to keep Niemi AND they could fill the other goalie position with a lesser-priced veteran (I have no idea who that can be right now), a Huet buyout would save them $3.75M a year for the next 2 seasons but would cost them $1.875M a season for the 2 years after that.
Courtesy: capgeek.com
This does nothing for this season and now rumors are even starting to fly about Tim Thomas being offered up even though he has an NTC.
I think I have to go back on the defence improvement again. Regardless whom it could be, if the 'Hawks can deal for another stellar D-man, it makes the whole team better in front of Huet - who seems to be everyone's worry here, for good reasons - going into the playoffs. Think of getting someone that will help DK and Seabs in a way they DO NOT have to log as many minutes they do now.
you dont buy out Huet, thats idiotic. you waive him. if nobody claims him you can send him to Rockford where you play him his full salary with $0.00 counting against the cap. if somebody does claim him, he's theirs.
A last choice scenario next year. He is the proven NHL goalie. Sure, Bowman knows he isn't the ideal goaltender. See what happens with Niemi and AHL goalie development. How else can you afford some other NHL goaltender. Maybe a young Blackhawk goalie steps up like Howard in Detroit has this year. At least the AHL goalies have good size and athleticism.
Hey RealWiz: I only meant that Makarov is the best candidate as a scorer among prospects. I don't think he is coming here anytime soon. i saw where he moved to a better russina league team. No, he isn't putting up numbers. But he is fully capable. I read the scouting reports and I saw enough in rookies camp two years ago in Bensenville, plus the following NHL exhibitin season he showed he is close to being here. He is like the ever ready rabbit/battery keeps on ticking depite if he takes a pounding. He is tough enough and competes. He has the finishing skill and can pass/he also is hungry and hates to get off ice. He would fit well with skilled players.
On a minor note, you know assists aren't given out in the russian league like here (NHL). Also players get labeled as first line, second line etc and players have to work their way up to top lines. Makarov can do that in Russia. He could score just fine on a top line over there right now. We don't know exactly what is going on with his scoring; we surmise. I am not in love with russian highlight film.
I admit I am enamored with a legitimate skill prospect. I have suffered like all of us with so many terrible #1 drafts for so long. Only recently has Chicago drafted better, and how hard is it when you have the top couple choices (Towes/Kane). Beech could score some up here too. All other prospects are too far back on development curve to even think about.
But Lavin is interesting to follow: hey jacukel and others, he is now playing for Notre Dame a major collegiate level team.
Anyone can quote the hockey news ..try watching the game!
moron!