I told you we'd have more camp news. Ryan has been nice enough to write a bit about his experience at Hawks Camp.
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Yes, hockey is back. I checked out the Chicago Blackhawks training camp this past weekend, and Jaye asked me to share my observations on how the Hawks look early in the preseason.
We'll start with some of the more disappointing performances:
- Ivan Vishnevskiy (D) - I counted no less than a half dozen passes that were more than a little off the mark, some of which ended up on opposing sticks. His positioning was decent, but poor puckhandling and decision-making suggests he needs a bit more time on the farm.
- Simon Danis-Pepin (D) - It seemed like every rush down the ice he was getting turnstiled by tripping over his own clunky feet. At 22 years old, another year of development to work on his skating, and at a formidable 6'6", his size could be a huge asset.
- Jassen Cullimore (D) - Hard to be too harsh on a guy who has three years on Marty Turco, but I think it's safe to say he's not going to suddenly find his fastball close to age 40 a la Lewis Black.
- Jake Dowell (C) - Wow. This guy has United Center zamboni drivers fearing for their jobs. He spent all kinds of time on the ice. I don't mean he had a lot of icetime, he just couldn't stay on his skates to save his life. He could make the team if and only if they strap wet towels to his legs and backside to save money (zambonis are big time gas-guzzlers).
But hey, there were some very impressive performances to be noted as well:
- Igor Makarov (RW) - I don't think his effort flew under anyone's radar. This guy was digging hard. It may be because he is realizing it might be his last time to make a significant contribution to an NHL roster, but he busted up and down the ice all day. Good to see, and I would be shocked if he doesn't make the team.
- Jeremy Morin (LW) - I know it was just one day (let alone the first day) of camp, but this kid certainly made his case for an Indian Head sweater. He was aggressive but not reckless, and had a magnificent period of hockey including a beautiful behind-the-back assist to Brandon Pirri.
- Viktor Stalberg (LW) - I have mixed emotions about putting him in the "good" category. He showed some absolutely breathtaking speed, but as I have heard from many a Maple Leafs fan, his puckhandling is, shall we say, "suspect". The thing is, the art of the finish can be learned, but you can't teach speed. This kid is promising to say the least.
- Jonathan Toews (C) - It's hard to put the Conn Smythe winner in the positive section of the first day of training camp, but he was like a man possessed. It seemed to click for Captain Serious after a rather tough hit from Niklas Hjalmarsson in the corner. He proceeded to notch a pair of goals in that contest and one later in the day, and once again showed why he deserves to wear the "C" for Chicago.
- John Scott (D) - Good God. I will honestly be surprised if he doesn't kill someone this season. This guy is an absolute monster. I believe the Hawks have the leadership and coaching to harness his massive 6'8"/260 lb frame and make him a contributing force on the blue line. Just maybe not this year.
Call me a homer, but I honestly believe the Blackhawks are the class of the Central and definite favorites to defend their Western Conference and Stanley Cup titles this year. Granted, they lost several role players in the offseason, but their leadership is strong and will create the chemistry needed to succeed.
Ryan Hackett
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I'd like to thank Ryan for his insight. Hockey is back baby! More as we roll through the pre-season and on to the real stuff!!
- Jaye
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