Posts Tagged ‘Nick Boynton’

Warm up to Nick Leddy

January 17th, 2011 by Leigh Michael Dengis

Nick Leddy was assigned to the Rockford IceHogs on Monday. Per usual, the move was made in order to circumvent the cap free up cap space. According to capgeek.com, the Blackhawks will save $6,007 each day the 19-year-old defenseman isn’t on the roster. It’s a given he’ll back with the NHL club before Saturday’s game against the Red Wings.

In eleven games with the Hawks, Leddy has tallied only one goal – a fluky one at that. His defensive positioning is suspect, his back-checking leaves a lot to be desired and he needs to be strong in front of the net. Leddy’s development would benefit from playing games at the AHL level, but the Blackhawks need him rounding out their third defensive pairing. With him in the lineup – since he was re-called earlier this month – the Blackhawks are 4-0-1.

The recent success is less about the addition of Leddy to the blue line, but more so the subtraction of Nick Boynton from it. The Blackhawks are willing to sit through the growing pains with the former. Leddy and Jordan Hendry give them the best chance to win, which is why the organization was willing to burn a year on his entry-level contract to keep him in Chicago.

This won’t be the last time Leddy will be demoted to Rockford, as the Blackhawks are right up against the cap ceiling. Despite how you feel about him or his readiness, he’s going to be part of the defensive corps indefinitely, or as long as Boynton has the ‘flu’.

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Jeremy Morin replaces Marian Hossa, tallies assist

November 30th, 2010 by Leigh Michael Dengis

In case you’ve been living under a rock or missed tonight’s 7-5 victory over the much loved St. Louis Blues, the news regarding Marian Hossa‘s health is of the breaking variety. Hossa was helped from the ice after colliding with defenseman and perennial whipping-boy Nick Boynton at Monday’s practice. It was announced today that he will miss up to three weeks with a lower-body injury.

This is the second time this season Hossa will miss a handful of games due to injury. A clean hit by Jarret Stoll in the October 27 match against the Kings forced him to miss five games. In his stead, the Blackhawks re-called forward Jeremy Morin from Rockford (AHL) this morning.

In his third game with the Blackhawks this season, Morin tallied his first NHL point against the Blues. He assisted on Troy Brouwer’s power-play goal in the second period. Morin dumped the puck into the offensive zone, which took a favorable bounce off the boards, leaving the net wide-open for Brouwer to tap it in. The 19-year-old had a plus-two rating, a five-minute fighting major and had 11:38 of ice-time (a career high).

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Brian Campbell returns to blue line in NY

November 1st, 2010 by Leigh Michael Dengis

Defenseman Brian Campbell will make his season debut Monday night in New York. The red-headed defender missed the first four weeks of the year with a sprained knee he injured in a pre-season game against Pittsburgh. Campbell will wear a knee brace for the rest of the season.

His return couldn’t come at a better time. The Blackhawks lost star forward Marian Hossa last week to an upper-body injury, and the Hawks’ blue line has left a lot to be desired in Campbell’s absence. He will add some depth to the position, resulting in less playing time for fellow defenseman Jassen Cullimore, Nick Boynton and John Scott down the road. Yay.

In hindsight, it was too early for me to deem Boynton as this year’s Brent Sopel. I made the comparison based on Boynton’s willingness to sacrifice his body in order to block a shot – currently leads the league with 37 – but his play has been atrocious in the defensive zone otherwise. Coach Quenneville hasn’t been pleased with his efforts either, as Boynton is a scratch against the Rangers. Scott will line up as a fourth-line forward, and Cullimore will fill out the third defensive paring alongside Jordan Hendry.

Campbell isn’t known for his defensive prowess, but his speed is an asset other defenders on the roster lack on the back-check. Niklas Hjalmarsson has to be the happiest Hawk after hearing the news of Campbell’s return. He can go back to playing the defensive role he excelled in last year, as there is some level of comfort/familiarity he’ll get being paired with Campbell once again.

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Paging Brian Campbell

October 25th, 2010 by Leigh Michael Dengis

It has always fascinated me how quick momentum can shift within the game of hockey. Not just over the course of a game (example: Blackhawks lose a 2-0 lead going into the second period on Saturday), but how a team’s perception is altered over a weekend (example: Blackhawks lose two games in two days to division foes). Everything was gravy a few days ago, but the Hawks are in the middle of a three-day lay off feeling bitter about the one they let get away.

Following Saturday’s 3-2 loss to the Blue Jackets, Jonathan Toews said,

“I have to try not to run my mouth and say things I’m going to regret right now I’m a little worked up right now. This is a similar loss to that game against Nashville in our own building. There’s no way we throw away that game it’s two big division points.

“Giving up a goal with 30 seconds left and taking a five-minute penalty is not the way we want to finish the second period. It seems like that’s when we started letting off the gas pedal. If we’re going to score 2 or 3 goals a night, we have to find ways to be smarter defensively.”

Going into the second period up two goals, the Blackhawks began playing protect-the-lead hockey. If might have worked last year, but that crap don’t fly when you allow 40 shots on the night, as they did against Columbus, with 20 of them coming in the third period. The Hawks are 24th in the league with 34.1 shots allowed per game.

Knowledgeable fans know this, but the following needs to be said for all the meatballs out there, as well as newcomers to the sport. Goaltending is not the Hawks’ issue. The tandem of Marty Turco and Corey Crawford have a healthy .918 save percentage, which ranks eighth best in the league. It’s been the team’s overall defensive play, but it’s the Hawks’ shallow blue line has been exploited.

The return of Brain Campbell to the lineup should help remedy some of the issues regarding the Hawks’ blue line. One obvious reason is that he’ll provide Coach Quenneville with more depth at the position. Nick Boynton will see less than 20 minutes a game on the third paring, Jassen Cullimore will be assigned to Rockford and the oafish John Scott will be a healthy scratch some nights.

Having Campbell back on defense will bolster the Blackhawks’ transition game, and overall play in the offensive zone. Puck possession was key to last year‘s success, which Campbell played an important role in that aspect of their game. Controlling the puck they way they did was why they out-shot opponents in almost every games, and why the Hawks had the fewest shots against last year with 25.1 per game.

Campbell skated for the first time this weekend since injuring his knee, and should be game ready to play in a week or two.

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Five thoughts about five Blackhawks

October 22nd, 2010 by Leigh Michael Dengis

Hossa's second goal vs. St. Louis in Game #7 (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

It’s two weeks into the season, the Blackhawks have rattled off four straight wins to find themselves sitting atop the central division after a slow start. We’re eight games in, a tenth of the season behind us, and we’ve learned a few things about the 2010-11 version of the team thus far.

Marian Hossa is a beast

We finally get a chance to see what a healthy Marian Hossa looks like, and it resembles greatness. He has always been this good, but this is the first time he has played at this level in a Hawks’ jersey. I can only compare it to Alexander Ovechkin. Every time Hossa gets the puck, you get the feeling that something great is about to happen, and he has yet to disappoint. He was the reason the Blackhawks won both Game #3 in Buffalo and Game #7 vs. St. Louis in come from behind fashion.

Hossa spoiled us, and our expectations have been raised. Now that we’ve been treated to hockey such as awesome as this from the Slovakian right winger, we should never expect anything less. Hossa is on pace for 70-plus goals and 40-plus assists.

Marty Turco will do

Marty Turco has successfully wiped everyone’s memory of Antti Niemi. In six appearances, he has a record of 4-1-1 with a 2.42 GAA and .929 SV%. Keep in mind that Turco is seeing an average of 35.2 shots against per game — the Hawks averaged 25.1 in 2009-10 — with a thin blue line in front of him. What impresses me the most about our new 35-year-old goaltender are the long up-ice passes. In Monday’s game against the Blues, Turco hit Bryan Bickell square in the chest, as he stood on the offensive blue line, from the crease.

Our new Brent Sopel is…

…Nick Boynton. Yea, he has his flaws, and in a perfect world he’d be skating on the third pairing with either Jordan Hendry or John Scott. But for what he is, I’ve been relatively pleased with the job Boynton has done so far this season. He is the league leader in blocked shots with 23 in seven games, and is averaging over 22 minutes a night.

In Wednesday’s 2-1 (SO) victory over the Canucks, Boynton was on the ice for 27:38 — of which 2:27 was on the penalty kill — behind only Duncan Keith in time-on-ice.

Nick Leddy wasn’t ready

When the news broke last weekend that Nick Leddy was assigned to Rockford, I smiled. Not because it gave me the opportunity to say, I told you so, but because it’s what’s best for the 19-year-old defenseman at this point in his career. The speed of the game at this level was too fast for Leddy. He was tentative when it came to making or receiving a pass, his decision making was sub-par and his positioning, which is the most important aspect of playing defense, left a lot to be desired. If Jassen Cullimore is brought in as your replacement, that’s humbling.

Jack Skille can play

It took the former first round draft pick long enough to prove he belonged in the NHL, but he’s been a source of energy on the fourth line with Viktor Stalberg and Jake Dowell. Skille is making the most of his current situation, and it’s only a matter of time he gets promoted. He was a candidate to be this year’s whipping boy, but John Scott has a firm grasp on the title.

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Prospect Philippe Paradis traded within the QMJHL

August 10th, 2010 by Leigh Michael Dengis

Yesterday, the Shawinigan Cataractes traded Blackhawks’ prospect Philippe Paradis to the Prince Edward Island Rocket. Paradis was sent to the Rocket with defenseman Jean-Laurence Beauchemin for forwards Benjamin Casavant (Capitals hold rights) and Danny Potvin. Four draft picks (two by each team) were swapped in the deal as well.

The Blackhawks acquired Paradis with Chris DiDomenico and Viktor Stalberg from Toronto in the Kris Versteeg trade. He was drafted by the Hurricanes in 2009 – 1st round, 27th overall. Paradis had 44 points (24 Gs, 20 As) with 104 PIM in 63 games as a Cataractes. He also played 4 games with the Marlies – the Maple Leafs’ AHL affiliate – and tallied 2 assists.

Boynton is back

Capgeek.com is reporting defenseman Nick Boynton re-signed to a one-year deal at $500,000. He’s a decent player at a decent price. Personally, I would rather see a defenseman whose best days aren’t behind them round out the third pairing. That is all.

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

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Blackhawks’ unrestricted free agent (UFA) rundown

June 16th, 2010 by Leigh Michael Dengis

The Blackhawks have a handful of players that will be unrestricted free agents (UFAs) when free agency begins on July 1st. With the payroll issue, the organization will likely promote cap-friendly players from within their system to replace key UFAs. Of the four players written up below, Burish might be the only one invited back.

John Madden – Center
(2009-10 Salary – $2,750,000)
(2009-10 Cap Hit – $2,750,000)

When the Blackhawks signed Madden to a one-year deal last summer, both parties knew the union wouldn’t last beyond this season. He was to be the veteran presence on a very young roster. Madden brought the experience of a two-time Stanley Cup winner to the Blackhawks, and centered the very effective checking line all season. This could have been the 37-year old pivot’s last hurrah. He will have to choose between heading out to pasture, or have a similar veteran role for another team.

Adam Burish – Right Winger
(2009-10 Salary – $712,500)
(2009-10 Cap Hit – $712,500)

A fan favorite, the fourth line winger embodies everything Chicago sport fans love in their athletes – a not-so talented white guy. Burish missed 65 games recovering from knee surgery, and was frequently scratched from the lineup down the stretch and in the playoffs. He plays the role of agitator well. Burish has the ability to getting under opposing player’s skin, and thrives off of chirping opponents from the bench – he averaged only 8:46 minutes in thirteen games this season.

If he comes at a fair price, I could see the front office toy with the idea of re-signing Burish to a short-term deal. But it’s more likely the organization will give a younger/cheaper guy a shot, such as Bryan Bickell.

Kim Johnsson – Defenseman
(2009-10 Salary – $5,300,000)
(2009-10 Cap Hit – $4,850,000)

Does anyone know what really happened to this guy? He disappeared from the face of the earth as though he lived in Argentina during the Dirty War era. Aside from speculative rumors, the only thing being reported is that he couldn’t overcome the post-concussion symptoms. Well, no matter what happened, Johnsson will end his career with only eight games as a Blackhawk on his resume.

Nick Boynton – Defenseman
(2009-10 Salary – $1,500,000)
(2009-10 Cap Hit – $1,500,000)

Boynton will have his name engraved on the Stanley Cup because he replaced Jordan Hendry on the blue line in the last three games of the finals. He was acquired from the Anaheim Ducks for future considerations, and served as a back-up plan on defense. In the ten regular- and post-season games Boynton played with the Blackhawks, he didn’t embarrass himself. On July 1st, he will be a small fish in the free agent pool.

Others: Mark Cullen, Danny Bois, Richard Petiot, Jassen Cullimore.

*Salary numbers were pulled from CapGeek.com

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Lucky #7 – Blackhawks 4, Wild 0

April 1st, 2010 by Leigh Michael Dengis

Tomas earned the belt in Minny

The fourth line was great last night. They attributed for three goals in the 4-0 shutout victory over the Minnesota Wild. Tomas Kopecky scored his eighth and ninth goals of the season, and Ben Eager scored a goal and tallied one assist. I’m quite disappointed Eager of all people couldn’t drop the gloves to give the viewers at home what they wanted – a Gordie Howe Hat Trick. On a serious note, Eager isn’t the fourth line energy forward we fell in love with last season. Ever since getting his brain scrambled in the first game of the season, Eager has become soft.

The defensive play in front of Antti Niemi was better then has been (still not great). They limited the Wild offense to twenty-one shots on goal. The Blackhawks controlled the tempo of the game, and Niemi didn’t see much action in his end of the ice until they were shorthanded three to five in the second period. Being down two men for ninety-one seconds, Niemi pulled up his pants and made a few pad saves the escape shorthanded situation unscathed. At the risk of sounding as though I bat for the other team, I’ve always been impressed with Niemi’s flexibility. For a man of his size, he moves form side-to-side rather well. This win marked his seventh shutout of the season.

On defense, Coach Quenneville had Dustin Byfuglien paired with Duncan Keith on the blue line. Byfuglien didn’t play all to well, but he didn’t embarrass himself either. Nick Boynton was out of the lineup as a result of his scuffle with Cam Janssen two night’s ago. Glad to see Brent Sopel off the top pairing, and Niklas Hjalmarsson and Brent Seabrook seem to play well enough together to keep that project going.

It was great that the fourth line stepped up and won this game for the slumping ‘Hawks, but the first two lines really need to get going with just six games left in the regular season. Jonathan Toews did score off a nice drop pass from Marian Hossa last night, but the bottom lines won’t always be productive enough to bail out the team. The win over the Wild was great, but I’m still a little worried about the state of the team and that lines are being shuffled willy-nilly.

Next up, the Blackhawks will travel fly to the cultural Mecca of the East Coast (sarcasm) to face the Devils this Friday. I haven’t had the opportunity to watch a game with Ilya Kovalchuk in a non-Thrashers jersey yet. It’s going to be weird.

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Off With His Head – Blackhawks 2, Ducks 4

March 18th, 2010 by Leigh Michael Dengis

This is frustrating. It seems like the league’s officiating has gone downhill since the Olympic break, and lately the Blackhawks have been on the wrong end of errant calls more then before. Before we go down that road, I wanted to do a very brief recap of last night’s 4-2 loss to the Ducks. The Blackhawks played relatively well on both ends of the ice. Corey Crawford looked okay in net. He made one bad play – leaving the crease to clear the puck from his zone, which led to a shorthanded goal for the Ducks. On the other end of the ice, Jonas Hiller stood on his head – as always – stopping thirty-nine of forty-one shots on goal.

The story from last night’s game was James Wisniewski’s hit of Brent Seabrook that only earned him two minutes in the box. Should have been longer, possibly a game misconduct. It was charging, interference and intent to injure all rolled into one. The refs blew the call when it happened, but the league has already announced they are reviewing the hit. I won’t be pleased with the ruling if he is suspended for two games or less. Nick Boynton became a hero in Chicago after one day on the job for dropping the gloves vs. Wisniewski in the last minute of the game.

Alexander Ovechkin’s hit on Brian Campbell was tame compared to Wisniewski’s hit on Seabrook. I know I keep saying this, but Ovechkin plays a reckless game. He may not fully understand the severity of his actions. Ovechkin planted his feet and drove Campbell’s defenseless body awkwardly to the boards, but in no way do I think he wanted to hurt the seven-million-dollar-man. Wisniewski went headhunting to exact revenge on Seabrook for a hit on Perry seconds earlier, and all he got was two minutes for charging? That is bull-roar.

Watch and listen (bellow). The worst part of this clip is that Anaheim’s color commentator, Brian Hayward, is questioning whether Seabrook is ‘selling’ the call. From what I’ve read elsewhere, Hayward later apologized for the comment.

Wisniewski sped to the corner, from the other end of the ice, with the intention to take a run at the Blackhawk defenseman, leaving his feet to bash Seabrook’s head into the glass. That hit was dirtier then Rod Blagojevich. Although, initially stunned, it didn’t appear as though Seabrook sustained any injury as a result of the hit, but he left the game. The Blackhawks already thin blue line could become thinner if Seabrook is out for any amount of time, and brace yourself to witness Dustin Byfuglien on defense once again. I doubt the small contingent that hoped Wisniewski would return to the Blackhawks one day exists no longer.

Next up, the Blackhawks will play the Kings tonight in Los Angeles. If Coach Quenneville can’t use Wednesday’s game to motivate his team, I don’t know what will. The ‘Hawks hope to stop their three-game losing streak.

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Ovechkin’s Hit On Campbell – The Aftermath

March 16th, 2010 by Leigh Michael Dengis

Alexander Ovechkin –

Right around quitting time (Central) yesterday the news about Alexander Ovechkin’s immediate future after his questionable hit on Brian Campbell last Sunday was released. The National Hockey League opted to suspend the Russian superstar for two games without pay. Ovechkin will forfeit $232,000 and will miss Tuesday’s game at Florida and Thursday’s at Carolina. Senior Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations, Colin Campbell (no relation to Brian), said that Ovechkin’s hit on Blackhawk defenseman Campbell was ‘reckless’ – which is something I alluded to yesterday before Ovechkin’s two-game suspension was announced.

Since yesterday’s ruling, I’ve read a lot of opinions regarding the length of the suspension. Some arguing that it was a clean hit, and others stating that the league should make an example of a high profile player like Ovechkin for his dirty hit. Personally, two games sounds about right. Two arguments that seem to surface most in the debate is whether Ovechkin being a repeat offender and/or Campbell’s injury factored into the length of the suspension. Since there is no reality in which these issues don’t exist, it seems rather trivial to spend time discussing them. However, for the sake of biased blogging – yes and no.

Brian Campbell –

Finally, the word came from the Blackhawks regarding Campbell’s injuries as a result of being shoved into the boards by Ovechkin. Chicago Blackhawks Head Team Physician, Dr. Michael Terry, said this:

“Brian Campbell suffered a clavicle fracture and a rib fracture on Sunday. He will likely avoid surgery and we anticipate a full recovery. He should be ready to play in approximately seven to eight weeks.”

Campbell will miss less time then I initially thought and wrote. He will be on the shelf for the remainder of the season, but could be ready to return to action in early May. Campbell is obviously a tremendous asset, but the ‘Hawks have proven they bury their heads in the sand when a key player goes down. The Blackhawks will rely more on newly acquired defenseman Kim Johnsson, but not until after the two-game Southern California leg – he didn’t make the trip with an injury. The Blackhawks recalled defenseman Nick Boynton, and he is eligible to play as soon as Wednesday’s game in Anaheim.

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