Posts Tagged ‘Patrick Sharp’

Mission Accomplished: Successful Circus Trip Over

December 1st, 2009 by Leigh Michael Dengis

It’s time to take down the big top. The six-game circus road trip is over, and the Blackhawks attained nine of the possible twelve points (4-1-1) on the trip. Losing to the Ducks in regulation and to the Kings in a shootout wasn’t the ideal way to end the trip, but we should all feel great about the November this team had. Don’t let anyone else convince you otherwise.

The other day I wrote how the line combinations will see some stability now that Marian Hossa is in the lineup. Well, Coach Quenneville made me look stupid again by moving Patrick Kane off the first line with Hossa and Jonathan Toews in the third period. The idea of having Kane, Toews and Hossa on one line is nice, but it is more like Quenneville to spread out the top talent among a few lines. Opponents will have to resort to more than the tactic of using their checking line against the Blackhawks’ first line.

On his blog yesterday, Tim Sassone reported that the changes we saw in Saturday’s game in Los Angeles should keep – at least at the start of tonight’s game at home vs. the Columbus Blue Jackets. Patrick Sharp will join Hossa and Toews on the first line, and Kane will return to the right side on the second line with Dustin Byfuglien and Kris Versteeg.

How long these combinations will last is obviously up to Quenneville. I like that he is open to change, and is willing to see what works and doesn’t work with the group of players on the roster. Any tinkering will solely take place among the six players on the first two lines. Quenneville is content with the checking line of Andrew Ladd, John Madden and Troy Brouwer, and will keep the three together as long as he can. The Blackhawks’ fourth line is set as well.

Alternative Jersey

Alternative Jersey

In net tonight will be Cristobal Huet. At this point it should be a given that any game that isn’t played on back-to-back nights Huet will start. His 2.12 goals-against average ranks fourth in the league with goalies that have twenty or more starts on the season. I’m still not Huet’s biggest fan, but he has been what the Blackhawks need him to be – have the ability to stop enough of the 24.2 (lowest average in the league) shots-on-goal-against to keep the team in the game. Huet has done it well.

Tonight the Blackhawks will debut their new alternative jersey. It’s a variation of the Winter Classic sweater, which I never really liked. White lacing that is all the rage in NHL jersey fashion will replace the black at the base of the v-neck, and the shoulder crests are rather stylized in red, white and a little bit of black. The shoulder crest doesn’t do much for me. They should have stuck with the crests they have on the home and away jerseys.

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Rumor Mill: Could The Big Three Sign Extensions Soon?

November 17th, 2009 by Leigh Michael Dengis
Toews and Kane

Toews and Kane

- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN reported that Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane are close to signing contract extensions. LeBrun is tossing a two-week window for their respective extension to be signed.

- Chris Kuc confirmed the news that the Blackhawks are close to signing Toews and Kane, and that an announcement could come very soon. He also reports that Duncan Keith is close to singing an extension as well.

Red Rising’s Take: We know the potential end of the season situation of Toews, Kane and Keith all too well. It’s hard not to get excited the more press the story receives. Locking up the big three before the end of the season will ease so many minds in the organization and the fan base.

I have no doubt in my mind that Stan Bowman will do whatever it takes to keep Toews, Kane and Keith in the organization. If the news comes today or further down the road, the task of creating salary-cap space for next year is immanent. Kris Versteeg, Patrick Sharp, Dustin Byfuglien and Cam Barker are all candidates to be moved at the end of the season.

- Tim Sassone is on a mission to convince his readers that Stan Bowman is on the verge of trading for a center to replace the injured Dave Bolland. He mentioned the name of Matt Cullen, currently of the Carolina Hurricanes. Sassone believes Cullen is the type of player Bowman would target in a trade – a reliable veteran who a contract that expires at the end of the season.

Red Rising’s Take: It looks like Andrew Ebbett might not be the answer to replace Bolland to center the second line – he was scratched from the lineup Sunday vs. the Sharks. The Blackhawks will look to fill the role internally. Sassone’s right though in one aspect, if the organization were to trade for a replacement it would be veteran center with an expiring contract.

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Blackhawks Have Internal Options To Fill-In For Bolland

November 11th, 2009 by Leigh Michael Dengis

Just when the Blackhawks were getting healthy and able to roll out a lineup at full strength, Dave Bolland’s lower-back problem could no longer be ignored. The surgery to repair a herniated disk was successful, but now that Bolland will be out between three to four months recovering a replacement is needed.

It’ll be hard to replace a player like him, but initially the organization will hope someone on the roster can fill the void. Yesterday, Stan Bowman said:

“I think we’ve got to sort it out internally first and see what we have. We’ve got some guys who kind of deserve the chance to see how they can play and see how that goes before jumping into anything else. That’s the approach for now and we’ll see how it works.”

A handful of players that can be considered for the role of second line center, and they are Patrick Sharp, John Madden, Kris Versteeg, Tomas Kopecky, Andrew Ebbett and Jake Dowell (currently in Rockford). Ebbett could be given a shot to replace Bolland out of the gate. I’ve been critical of him a time or two, but they guy did tally thirty-two points in forty-eight games for the Ducks last season. So there has to be something there. Right?

The Versteeg experiment at center lasted a little over one game. Coach Quenneville shuffled the lines during the Kings game, and moved him to the wing and put Ebbett on the second line at center – replacing Kopecky. Ebbett played reasonably well, and scored a fluky goal that bounced off his chest and into the net. Kopecky was demoted to the fourth line and keeps proving to be useless.

Sharp and Madden could eventually see time as the second line center, but Quenneville likes them in the role they are in now. I think Dowell would be recalled before either Sharp or Madden are used in that role. Any internal options Bowman has will be exhausted before he resorts to trading for suitable replacement for Bolland as the team is right up against the salary cap.

The Blackhawks play Colorado at home tonight, so we won’t have to wait long to see who Quenneville uses in Bolland’s spot.

In other news: Marian Hossa will take another step in his rehab. He will start participating in full contact drills either Thursday or Friday.

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Welcome Back – Blackhawks 4, Kings 1

November 10th, 2009 by Leigh Michael Dengis

The Blackhawks welcomed Jonathan Toews and Ben Eager back to the team with a big 4-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings. Last night, the ‘Hawks arguably played their best game this season. There were mistakes such as turnovers in the defensive zone, but the boys clicked in so many ways last night.

Coach Quenneville line Toews up with Patrick Sharp and Dustin Byfuglien on the first line. Byfuglien, as always, didn’t do much, but Sharp had his best game of the season. He was all over the ice last night, and making plays in the offensive zone assisting on the two power play goals. One of them was on the deflection by Troy Brouwer who had a great game for himself as well. The other was on the Toews goal a couple minutes later.

It could have been the Kings ineptitude on the penalty kill, but the Blackhawks were very effective on the power play. They scored on two of the three chances with the man advantage. Tomas Kopecky was still on the power play unit, and Byfuglien saw time on the point paired with Cam Barker. I guess it’s better than having Sharp up there.

I haven’t mentioned this at all this season, but I really like watching John Madden play. He seems to enjoy the freedom the coaching staff gives him, and his lone goal – first of the game – set things off right for the Blackhawks. The line of Madden, Brouwer and Andrew Ladd works, and it should be kept together well after Marian Hossa’s debut.

The six games with out Toews were hard to watch at times, knowing that this team is so much better then their play indicated. It’s refreshing to watch a game where the Blackhawks are able to play their game and dominate almost every minute. Having Toews back in the lineup changes the dynamic of the team in a very positive way, and with the addition of Hossa in a few more weeks this team will be scary.

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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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Five-Day Layoffs Suck

November 2nd, 2009 by Leigh Michael Dengis

The Blackhawks are currently in the middle of five-day layoff. How it is possible for the ‘Hawks to experience a layoff this long in a year where the two-plus week Olympic break equates to a condensed schedule, yet there are nineteen occasions the Blackhawks take to the ice on back-to-back nights. It’s stupid, but the team could use the time off to regroup in order to move forward on the season.

The layoff will provide time to mend injuries without missing any games. Dave Bolland has received some time to rest his lower-back. Jonathan Toews and Ben Eager are still recovering from their respective head injuries. Eager has been skating in practice, and Toews hasn’t laced-up since the Willie Mitchell hit. Both will travel with the team to Phoenix on Thursday and Colorado the next night – mainly because of the Blackhawks’ dads are invited for the road-trip.

Keeping with the theme of big hits, Andrew Ladd’s hit on Matt D’Agostini in the first period in the Canadiens game was a borderline illegal hit to the head. Ladd had D’Agostini lined up and exploded on the forward, leaving the ice and lifting his elbow after the hit (video below). Ladd was given a five-minute major for elbowing, a game misconduct and a minor for roughing. He was also fine $200 for being ejected from the game.

Ladd and the Blackhawks have been waiting to hear from the league as to any further punishment the forward might get for the hit. There have been a lot of hits to the head this season, and Ladd’s isn’t even close to the worst – Mike Richards didn’t miss any time for his hit that sent David Booth to the hospital. I wouldn’t expect for the league to take any further action on the incident with Ladd.

An area that should be worked on during the layoff is the lack of production from the Blackhawks power play unit. The team’s inability to score with a one- or two-man advantage is maddening. Before the four Sunday games, the Blackhawks rank twentieth in the league with a 17.3 power play percentage.

Despite roster issues, a better conversion rate is expected with the talent the ‘Hawks out there each game. Sixteen teams separate the Blackhawks from the worst team in hockey – the Toronto Maple Leafs who currently rank fourth in the league. Tomas Kopecky should never see time on the power play, and stop using Patrick Sharp on the point.

Joe, fix this. You have till Thursday. Thanks.

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Yesterday’s Gone – Blackhawks 0, Predators 2

October 30th, 2009 by Leigh Michael Dengis

The only aspect of last night’s game in Nashville that worked was Cristobal Huet. His performance kept the Blackhawks in the game as the offense was unable to score on Pekka Rinne. Last night, few problems that the ‘Hawks have became apparent. The Blackhawks’ power play is bad going 0 for 5 yesterday, and anyone can see that putting Patrick Sharp on the point doesn’t work.

Taking penalties late in the game have impeded the team’s ability to mount a comeback in the third period – two subsequent penalties in the last ten minutes of the game will do that. Drawing late penalties was a problem in the 3-1 loss to Vancouver last week – the Canucks took advantage of them.

The Blackhawks have also seen their penalty totals rise in the last few games, and fortunately the team has been rather solid on the penalty kill. They rank sixth in the league while being short-handed with an 83.7 percent success rate. Still, the coaching staff should address the issue before it becomes a bigger problem as the ‘Hawks require discipline late in the game.

Tonight the Blackhawks get a chance to quickly put last night’s 2-0 loss to the Predators behind them. The Montreal Canadiens visit the United Center in an Original Six match-up. Antti Niemi should get start tonight – despite Huet’s solid net presence his last three starts. Huet will start tonight. The Canadiens have been going through goalie troubles of their own, and there are some Quebecers who would like to see Huet done the rouge, blanc, et bleu once again. Jaroslav Halak has seen more starts lately, but it’s likely that Carey Price will get the nod in Chicago.

Anyway, the Canadiens are a different looking team from past years. Former face of the franchise Saku Koivu is a Duck, and new additions Scott Gomez, Brian Gionta and Mike Cammalleri to now make up the core of the team with defenseman Andrei Markov sidelined. They are coming off an ugly loss to Pittsburgh two nights ago, and the Blackhawks are going to have to improve on last night’s offensive laps if they want to have any chance in hell to win this game.

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Rumor Mill Monday

October 19th, 2009 by Leigh Michael Dengis

What better way to start off the week then reading some trade rumors. Bellow are a few recent rumors that have surfaced regarding the Blackhawks in the last week or so.

- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun believes that Brian Campbell could be shopped at the end of the season in order to free up the cap-space need to sign the Big Three – Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Duncan Keith.

- Nick Kypreos of Sportsnet.ca noted that the ‘Hawks will have to move two or three bodies to make room for the Big Three. Patrick Sharp, Kris Versteeg and Dustin Byfuglien are the names mentioned in this article.

Red Rising’s Take: The Blackhawks aren’t going to worry about creating the cap-space to lock up the Big Three until the end of the season. Campbell will remain a ‘Hawk after this season due to the size and length of his current contract. Sharp, Versteeg and Byfuglien are viable options, however.

It will be a tough decision to make when the time comes, but it will need to be made since the Blackhawks have about $42.5M tied up in twelve players next year. Of the players listed above, Byfuglien should be the first to go. There would be many teams around the league that would love you have the big assed forward, and the organization could replace him with the likes of Kyle Beach or Akim Aliu.

Sharp and Versteeg on the other hand offer more than just a body in the crease, yet both could still find themselves on another team in the summer of 2010. The Blackhawks could also look to the blue-line to free up some cap-space. Cam Barker would garner some interest, and if Brent Sopel can put together a solid season the ‘Hawks would have an easier time ridding themselves of his contract.

- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN.com reported that Pat Brisson, the agent of Kane and Toews, will sit down with Stan Bowman about extending their contracts.

Red Rising’s Take: This little bit of news is nice to hear, but I doubt that either will be sign an extension prior to the end of the season.

- There have already been a slew of opinions about Cristobal Huet, his slow start and what to do with him if he doesn’t snap out of this funk. Yesterday, Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald covered most of the options the organization can take with Huet. They can keep playing him, send him down to Rockford, play him on the road and Antti Niemi at home or trade him.

Red Rising’s Take: Trading Huet will be hard for the same reasons as Campbell, and sending him to Rockford will never happen. The only alteration made to the current goaltending situation will be an increase in starts for Niemi if Coach Quenneville grows tired of watching Huet single-handedly lose games.

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History Made, Blackhawks Comeback From 5 – 0 Deficit

October 13th, 2009 by Leigh Michael Dengis

Well, I was set to write an entry all about how Troy Brouwer would need to be the guy to step up and provide a physical game for the Blackhawks with Adam Burish on the IR and Ben Eager struggling with post-concussion symptoms. He filled that role tonight. Brouwer had some big hits throughout the game, and squared off against Jarome Iginla. Brouwer left the ice with a bloody noggin as a result – still the act fired up the crowd even more after the fourth unanswered goal by Dave Bolland.

There were quite a few times where I thought about changing the TV station and watching something else after the Blackhawks were down 3 – 0, but I figured nothing else was on. If you stuck this one out like me, your patience was rewarded with a 6 – 5 overtime victory over the Calgary Flames. I am still amazed at how the Blackhawks pulled this one off. The team played horrible hockey for the first seventeen minutes of the game. Huet was porous – he let in three goals in under a minute, thus was pulled. It’s becoming hard to argue that Huet’s job as No. 1 is safe.

Antti Niemi started in net, letting in two goals out of the gate. Rene Bourque’s goal was too much for him on the glove side, but the trickler by Olli Jokinen was really ugly. It’s hard to come off the bench cold, but Niemi was solid after that, however. The Flames were held scoreless for the remainder of the night.

The whole team was playing uninspired hockey until John Madden scored late in the first period. That and whatever Coach Quenneville screamed at them during intermission sparked the comeback.

Patrick Kane led the charge in the second period with a quick wrist-shot just under the blue-line, and tallied assists on the next two goals from the Blackhawks. The three point night for Kane ties him with Patrick Sharp for the team lead in points with seven (3 goals, 4 assists). With Jonathan Toews off to another slow start, Kane has picked up the slack – he was all over the offensive zone and making great passes.

Sharp’s redirected shot in the third period to tie the game, and Brent Seabrook’s game winning goal in overtime finished out the greatest comeback in the Blackhawks’ eighty-three year history. Even the iron ‘stached Quenneville broke a smile when this one was over.

There may never be another game like this for the franchise, and yours truly is glad he didn’t turn this game off.

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Canadian Orientation Camp Breaks

August 28th, 2009 by Leigh Michael Dengis
Still no smile for Mr. Toews

No smile, Mr. Toews?

Yesterday, the last day of training camp for the Canadian Olympic team in Calgary, Alberta, ended in a scrimmage – Team Red vs. Team White. Patrick Sharp and Brent Seabrook (Red) faced-off against Duncan Keith and Jonathan Toews (White) at the Pentgrowth Saddledome. The exhibition game played out like a glorified all-star game in front of a sellout crowd.

Over the course of the four-day Olympic orientation camp each player showcased their skills hoping to make the national team. It’ll be tough for any player to crack the roster since the list of invitees to the Canadian camp is so deep.

There are a few locks to make Team Canada, and none of them are Blackhawks. The best case scenario would be if three of the four ‘Hawks at the camp made the Olympic roster – Sharp being the odd-man out. There are just too many talented forwards that would keep the goal-scoring, defensive savvy forward from skating in Vancouver come February.

The 2006 Winter Games in Italy were an embarrassment for Canada placing seventh overall. Steve Yzerman and Mike Babcock will do anything in order to avoid a similar fate in front of the home crowd in Vancouver. Youth and speed hopefully will be served this time around in order to keep up with the European squads. A clunker like Chris Pronger, whose game really doesn’t translate well to the international style of play, could be passed over by the Canadian brain-trust – a decision could benefit the younger Seabrook if that is the case.

Keith may be the Blackhawk with the best chance to represent Chicago. He posses speed and a sound defensive game that would be an asset to Team Canada. Keith has improved steadily each season since his rookie campaign, and is quietly one of the better all-around defensemen in the league. There are few of his Canadian counterparts that would trump Keith’s value on and off the ice to the national team.

Toews would also benefit from a youth movement. There are arguably about five men at center ahead of him on the depth chart, but it would benefit Team Canada if they make a spot of Toews on their roster. Just as he is considered the future of Chicago hockey, he is also the future of Canadian hockey. Toews already has some experience at the international level playing in the 2007 and 2008 World Championships. A roster spot should be made for him, even if it means moving someone over to the wing.

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