Posts Tagged ‘Brent Seabrook’

Olympic Profile: Brent Seabrook (Canada)

January 26th, 2010 by Leigh Michael Dengis

Team Canada's Seabrook

This is the second installment of player profiles for the six Blackhawks that will represent their nation at the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver. It’s now Brent Seabrook’s turn. Stay tuned for future installments, and feel free to comment below. Previous Olympic Profile: Tomas Kopecky

Birthplace – Richmond, British Columbia, Canada

International Experience – 2004 World Junior Championships, 2005 World Junior Championships and 2006 World Championships

After finishing seventh in Torino, Team Canada general manager, Steve Yzerman, knows that anything less then gold is unacceptable in front of the hometown crowd. Of the twenty-three players named to the Canadian roster fifteen are going to their first Olympics. Five of which are on defense (Dan Boyle was a reserve in 2006). Five of the blue-liners are twenty-six or younger. Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook fit the mold and represent Team Canada’s youth movement.

Seabrook was a dark horse to make the Canadian Olympic roster, but when Yzerman and his cohorts selected the Richmond native to the national team it came as a surprise. The lack of production from the trio of Calgary defensemen, the need for a hard hitting defensive defenseman, the desire for new blood and his rapport with ‘lock’ Keith solidified his roster spot.

The twenty-four year old will have to cut down on some of the sloppy play that has plagued him this season. Seabrook has been a frequent contributor to turnovers and lapses in the neutral- and defensive-zone. Still, he is has a better defensive presence then his competition and has a plus/minus of +22, which makes him tied for eighth in the league.

Taking off my Blackhawk-colored glasses, Seabrook doesn’t make the team if it weren’t for the on-ice chemistry he has with Keith. I like the decision of Team Canada’s brass to keep Seabrook and Keith together. They go up against the opposing team’s best line every night, and are on the ice for over twenty minutes each game. The duo will be a second or third defensive paring.

With the firepower on Canada’s blue line, I wouldn’t expect Seabrook to see anytime on the power play. He should be used on the penalty kill though.

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Blackhawks 1, Senators 4

January 20th, 2010 by Leigh Michael Dengis

Another great performance from a goalie impeded the Blackhawks’ progress in the West, and it came at the hands of the little known Brian Elliot of the Ottawa Senators. He didn’t stand on his head like Jonas Hiller, but he came up with some big saves to keep the Senators on top. Elliot stopped twenty-nine of the thirty shots he faced, and was named the first star of the game as the Blackhawks lost 1-4.

The Senators controlled the game in the first period. They came out of the period with a 2-0 lead due to a few key defensive lapses from the Blackhawks. First, Brent Seabrook turned the puck over behind the net that the Senator’s first goal. Cristobal Huet was drawn out of his crease for the wide-open shot on net. Later, Brian Campbell and Niklas Hjalmarsson were soft on the back check leading to the Sentors’ second goal. Ryan Shannon was able to redirect of Peter Regin’s pass to beat Huet up high.

In the second period the Blackhawks were better in their offensive zone, and the momentum of the game started to shift in their favor. The Blackhawks took a few bad penalties in the game, but the slashing call on Jonathan Toews bogus. At least Marian Hossa was able to capitalize on the situation, and scored the lone Blackhawks’ goal of the night while Toews was in the box. It is the team’s league leading eighth short-handed goal of the season.

Hossa’s goal was the product Duncan Keith’s interception of a pass in front of Huet and quick up-ice pass. The assist was Keith’s forty-fifth point of the season – a career high for the defenseman.

With less then two minutes left in the second any wind the Blackhawks had in their proverbial sails disappeared when Regin scored on a wrap around. Huet was so far out of position on this one, all the way on the other side of the crease. Regin’s goal, and Elliot’s diving save earlier in the period to stop Hossa’s sure goal proved that this wasn’t the Blackhawks’ night.

The rest of the third was just more of the same from the Blackhawks – bad penalties (see Dustin Byfuglien’s roughing call), porous defense and questionable goaltending. All of which attributed to the Senators’ fourth and final goal of the game. The Blackhawks’ penalty kill was perfect up to this point, but the lack of resistance from Keith and Seabrook in their zone allowed Mike Fisher to score with the man-advantage.

Anyway, the season is long, and the Blackhawks are on their way to top billing in the West. So, no worries just yet. Next up, the Blackhawks will look to rebound in Calgary tomorrow night. The ‘Hawks have owned the Flames going back to last season.

AHL All-Star Game

Jack Skille had two assists in the AHL exhibition game, and a plus/minus of +1. Mark Cullen didn’t crack the score sheet. The Canadian team beat PlanetUSA 10-9 in a shootout.

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Blackhawks 5, Bruins 2

January 8th, 2010 by Leigh Michael Dengis

This one looked like it was going to be one of those (rare) nights for the Blackhawks. They were down 2-0 to the Bruins just eight minutes into the game. Boston’s first goal came on the power play, as Blackhawks penalty-kill unit couldn’t get the puck out of their end. Blake Wheeler redirected Derek Morris’ initial shot for the goal. Their second tally came off a Blackhawks’ turnover deep in the defensive zone, and Miroslav Satan waited for Antti Niemi to drop. At point-blank range, he aimed high to score the Bruins second and final goal.

Duncan Keith brought the Blackhawks into the game with a one-timer just shy of the blue line, which snuck past Tim Thomas to his right. Minutes later Ben Eager started the sequence that led to Colin Fraser’s feed to Tomas Kopecky for the Blackhawks’ second goal. After the first period, the Blackhawks and Bruins were tied at 2-2.

In the second frame, the Blackhawks were able to capitalize on the momentum gained in the first period. Andrew Ladd screened Thomas as Brent Seabrook fired the puck on the net. Thomas saved the initial shot, but Ladd poked in the rebound to score. Both he and my boy Troy Brouwer have been productive stationing themselves in front of the opposing team’s net.

Keith was able to extend the Blackhawks’ lead by two when his wrist shot from the point that made it’s way past Thomas. It appeared as though the massive Zdeno Chara screened his own goalie, which made Keith’s goal possible. It was the second goal of the night with the fourth line on the ice. They continue to be very productive for Coach Quenneville. Fraser, Kopecky and Eager had a plus/minus of +2 on the night. Keith had a big night as well, scoring two goals, helping on one and a plus/minus of +4.

Patrick Kane added the Blackhawks’ fifth unanswered goal of the night late in the third frame. Brouwer put pressure on the Bruins defense after a Jonathan Toews face-off loss, and retrieved the puck to set up Kane for his nineteenth on the season. His point streak is now at ten games.

The ability the Blackhawks have to comeback after an early two-goal deficit on the road can be attributed to the team’s tenacity, and the solid goaltending of Niemi. His rebound control wasn’t as good as it has been, but he and the defense shutdown the Bruins for the remainder of the night.

Next up, the Blackhawks will visit the Minnesota Wild tomorrow night, then host the Anaheim Ducks at the United Center the next night. Enjoy the ride ladies and gentlemen.

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Blackhawks 4, Wild 1

January 6th, 2010 by Leigh Michael Dengis

Thirty wins in forty-three games is impressive. The Blackhawks have won eleven of their last thirteen games, and have extended their lead over the second place team in the Central Division, the Nashville Predators, to ten points. So many good things are happening for the Blackhawks right now. The power play unit – that had been so bad – has scored with the man-advantage in the last eight games. The current streak has improved the ‘Hawks power-play percentage to 20.8 – sixth overall in the league.

Another positive of late has been the play of the fourth line. Their playing time hasn’t increased all that much, but the combination of Ben Eager, Colin Fraser and Tomas Kopecky are no longer invisible on the ice. It pains me to write this, but with the elevated play of Kopecky the line has been more productive.

Marian Hossa scored another two goals last night, and Patrick Kane added another to his team-leading total – now at eighteen goals. Hossa is the seventh Blackhawk to reach double-digits. John Madden is just one away after scoring his ninth goal in the first period. Brian Campbell continues he resurrection as the seven-million-dollar-man last night with his play in the offensive zone, and adding two helpers.

Cristobal Huet’s performance in the first period illustrated a few of the reasons why I’m not a fan. He was out of position, slow, lacked puck control, and the defense had to bail him out to keep the Wild off the scoreboard. Brent Seabrook put himself in front of a sure Andrew Brunette goal, and Duncan Keith back-checked to thwart a good scoring chance by the Wild on a short handed rush. In both cases, Huet was scrambling across the crease to get back in position. Once the Blackhawks defense settled down late in the first period, so did Huet, and that has been the story on him for the majority of the season.

Next up, the Blackhawks will travel to Boston for another Original Six match-up Thursday night.

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Toews, Keith and Seabrook On Team Canada

December 30th, 2009 by Leigh Michael Dengis

Team Canada announced their Olympic roster this morning, and Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook will represent their country in Vancouver at the Winter Games. Being selected over so many other capable players to represent their nation is easily a highlight in their young careers.

Steve Yzerman and the Canadian brass had a deep talent pool to choose from. Keith was a lock to make Team Canada. Seabrook could have made the team all his own, but his on-ice relationship with Keith solidified his spot on the roster. Toews was on the bubble regarding his selection to the team, but as I wrote last week his leadership and past international experience would make him as asset. I neglected to mention his plus/minus rating and his success in the face-off circle.

Team Finland –

No surprise here, Antti Niemi was left off the Finnish team’s roster. The Fins are pretty deep at the position when it comes to NHL talent.

WJC Update –

In Sweden’s 4-1 victory over Russia, Blackhawks prospect Marcus Kruger came away with just a plus/minus of +1. In three games Kruger has two assists, two penalty-minutes and a plus/minus of +5 in the tournament.

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Making A Case For Toews To Make Canada’s Olympic Roster

December 21st, 2009 by Leigh Michael Dengis

It was as though Team Canada’s Olympic general manager, Steve Yzerman, held informal auditions in Chicago this weekend for a spot on the Canadian national team. He was in attendance for the Bruins and Red Wings games. Detroit’s head coach, Mike Babcock, is slated to coach the Canadian Olympic team as well. They were able to get a good look at the Blackhawks’ Canadian born players first hand. Other members of the Canadian brain trust – Kevin Lowe, Doug Armstrong and Ken Holland – were in attendance for Sunday’s match-up.

The four Blackhawks invited to September’s training camp – Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook, Patrick Sharp and Jonathan Toews – were closely scouted in both games. Brian Campbell did his best over the two-game stretch to be noticed. It was the best we’ve seen from him all season.

The only sure thing from the Blackhawks to make the Canadian roster would be Keith. His leadership and on-ice skills speak for themselves. Seabrook’s only chance to make the team is if Yzerman likes the idea keeping the blue-line duo together. Sharp doesn’t have a real shot since there are better forwards being considered. Campbell’s elevated play has come too late to make a real push for a roster spot. Toews’ future with the 2010 Canadian Olympic national team is teetering on the fence.

Toews has stiff competition for a roster spot, as Yzerman has a deep pool of centers to pick from. He already has international competition experience on his resume. Toews played for Team Canada in the 2006 and 2007 World Junior Championships as well as the 2007 and 2008 World Championships. He is also the third youngest player to be named any team’s captain. At the age of twenty-one he commands respect from his teammates.

One thing that Toews has going for himself is that Yzerman and Babcock have openly stated their admiration for the young captain. I’d like to finish this entry with a quote from Yzerman following Friday’s overtime win over the Bruins. What better way to make the case that Toews deserves a roster spot on the Canadian Olympic team then use the words from general manager himself.

Yzerman said of Toews:

“He’s a great competitor, he’s physically strong, he’s really responsible in all areas of the game – like everything about him. He’s a tremendous young player so I don’t see any shortcomings in his game and he’s just going to get better and better every year.”

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Big Win – Blackhawks 4, Sharks 3 (OT)

November 16th, 2009 by Leigh Michael Dengis

Last night the Blackhawks didn’t play their best game, but still won the game in overtime, with a score of 4-3, against the best team in the Western Conference. The Blackhawks were sloppy, though. Too many turnovers in the neutral- and defensive-zone, and the Sharks were able to disrupt the ‘Hawks in the offensive zone way too easily. Frustrating at times, but the Blackhawks came out on top in this match-up.

Aside from the first two minutes of the second period, Cristobal Huet was great in net. He came up with important saves at even strength and on the penalty kill. Brent Sopel was and has been good (man, that was hard to write). Niklas Hjalmarsson was solid and bailed out Brian Campbell a few times through the night. Jonathan Toews was productive with two assists – one came on a great pass to Brent Seabrook for the game winner – and the recently recalled Bryan Bickell was good as well.

The Blackhawks used Jordan Hendry on the wing once again while Kris Versteeg and Andrew Ebbett were scratched from the lineup. Is Hendry really a better option than Ebbett? He only logged 5:15 of ice time. What is the point of even suiting him up? If Stan Bowman would just place Dave Bolland on the LTIR (long-term injured reserve) the practice of utilizing a defenseman as a winger would end, and the ‘Hawks would be able to role out four complete lines.

Coach Quenneville appears to like the line of Andrew Ladd, Madden and Troy Brouwer just as much as I do. He had to make due with what was provided to him, but he kept the three together. They are an effective checking line that can also be productive in the offensive zone – each tallied a point on the scorecard last night.

The Blackhawks have three days off before they head to Calgary to start the six-game circus road trip. On the trip they will play the three Western Canadian teams, and the three Californian teams.

In closing, to the meathead sitting in front of me last night chanting DETOIT SUCKS! every chance you get, STOP! You’re an idiot.

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Yzerman Picks A Date

November 4th, 2009 by Leigh Michael Dengis

The executive director of Team Canada, Steve Yzerman, announced today that he would reveal the 23-man Olympic roster on New Years Eve – one day before the American team is slated to announce their roster. In one hundred days from today, the Winter Games will begin in Vancouver.

Four players from the Blackhawks were invited to the orientation camp in August – Jonathan Toews, Patrick Sharp, Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook. It is very doubtful that all four will make the team, yet non-invitee Brian Campbell could play his way onto Team Canada.

For the new readers and those that have forgotten, Red Rising will follow Team Canada’s quest for another Olympic gold medal. The focus, however, will be on the performance of the Blackhawks that make the team.

In somewhat related news, Yzerman’s roster announcement will be made in the midst of the World Junior Championship. Defensive prospects Shawn Lalonde and Dylan Olsen are competing for a chance to make that team.

Exciting stuff, eh?

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Blackhawks Are Fine Despite Few Issues

October 27th, 2009 by Leigh Michael Dengis

The Blackhawks beat the Minnesota Wild 3-1 last night. It was Martin Havlat’s regular season return to the United Center and was held silent by his old club. The ‘Hawks were able to put this win over the Wild together due to solid goaltending from Cristobal Huet, a couple key rebounds in front of the net and a highlight goal from Patrick Kane in the third period.

With Brent Seabrook and Jonathan Toews missing the last two games with their respective head injuries, the Blackhawks have been able to come away with two victories and four points. Last night was just another win over a weaker Western Conference team. The current stretch of the schedule seems to make the Blackhawks’ problems appear to be not so bad.

If the ‘Hawks were playing tougher opponents, however, would the out come of the last two games differ? Would Seabrook and Toews stepped up and played through their concussion-like symptoms? Would Huet have been good enough to come away with just one goal scored on him in 120 minutes? The great thing is that we don’t have to worry about any of that. Despite all the team’s issues, the Blackhawks are first in the Central Division with fifteen points and a record of 7-3-1.

The biggest beneficiary of the Blackhawks current winning streak has to be The Man from France – as Eddie O tends to call him. Huet has seen his goals-against-average drop to a very respectable 2.49 on the year. It’s always nice to see better numbers, but at this point of the season the forward momentum he gets from winning is more important.

The Blackhawks don’t play another game until Thursday in Nashville with another on Friday at home hosting Les Canadiens. Coach Quenneville should start different goalies in back-to-back games. So what game does Huet get? I’m going to stick by my guns and say that he starts in Nashville, and that Antti Niemi will get the nod vs. Montreal.

There is still no timetable as to when Seabrook and Toews (and Ben Eager) will return, or if one is closer than the other. Forcing them to return to the ice before the concussion-like symptoms have regressed could be detrimental to career of each player. Seeing that Seabrook and Toews are the present and future of the franchise, the right decision will be made here.

In other news, the Blackhawks reassigned Jake Dowell to Rockford. Once again, Dowell could return to the NHL team before Thursday’s game if Toews is still recovering from concussion-like symptoms.

Changes have been reflected on our In the Organization page above.

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Huet To Start, Dowell Recalled And More

October 26th, 2009 by Leigh Michael Dengis

News…

- Yep, Jake Dowell has been recalled by the Blackhawks. This indicates that Jonathan Toews will miss another game with concussion-like symptoms. Nothing has been reported on the matter, or whither Brent Seabrook will miss tonight’s game as well – Jordan Hendry would replace him again if that is the case.

Update: Toews and Seabrook are out.

- Once again starting in net for the Blackhawks will be Cristobal Huet. Everyone is hoping that he can build on the shutout victory over the Predators. The Minnesota Wild are winless on the road (0-7-0) and have tallied only twenty-two goals on the season, so if Huet plays like he did on Saturday, another night ending in cheers will be his reward.

…and Notes

- The Belleville Bulls have been without Blackhawks’ prospect Shawn Lalonde (Red Rising’s #4) for the last five games with a shoulder injury. He could miss between 2-3 more weeks. Lalonde played nine games this season totaling thirteen points (5 goals, 8 assists) and nine penalty minutes.

- Patrick Kane received a call from Martin Havlat regarding EA Sports’ FIFA soccer game.

Changes have been reflected on our In the Organization page above.

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