Blackhawks Rookie Tournament Recap: Game 1
In the first game of the rookie tournament, the Blackhawks’ prospects lost to the Maple Leafs’ prospects 3-2 in a shootout.
The future Hawks were down 2-0 heading to the third period, but came back to tie the game in regulation.
Chicago’s first goal came off the stick of Terry Broadhurst, with the primary assist going to free agent invitee defenseman Bobby Shea.
The second tally for Chicago was set up by a good, physical play by Garret Ross that forced a turnover. Drew LeBlanc flipped a pretty pass in front of the net to Pat Mullane, who tied the game.
Tyler Biggs won the game for Toronto in the shootout. The young Hawks were outshot, but played a physical game against the Leafs. Mac Carruth was in net for Chicago.
The Blackhawks’ prospects will play Ottawa’s kids on Saturday at 1 pm CT, and then Pittsburgh’s prospects at 1 pm CT on Sunday.
Tab, thank you for recap and highlights.
Thanks Tab…
OK a number of things to comment on…first, we can’t take much from these “games”…these kids are thrown together for a week and are asked to skate together on lines with some continuity, or form a back end pairing…its tough…
From the last time this tourney was played (2 years ago), you would have thought that Saad was nowhere near ready to become an NHL’er, but he was…so, its dangerous to draw too many conclusions from these games…but here are some general observations that some of you might enjoy reading…
First, the only thing that will stop the Broadhurst brothers from becoming NHL’ers is their size…when it comes down to it, will they have the strength and toughness in the next couple of years to handle all the shots they will take in the show??? I don’t know, but I do know, that they possess everything else to be good pros…they are both so smart, very smart, as they know how the game is played at both ends of the ice…and man do they ever push the puck, constantly taking the battle to the enemy…IMO they are both the real deal…and how about the SO move by Alex Broadhurst, sweet.
Second, while Drew LeBlanc shows finesse, vision and talent, I didn’t see the will…he is older, more seasoned and skilled than the rest, but I didn’t see a lot of urgency or leadership in his game…Drew needs to understand that to make it into the show, you have to have a sense of urgency, of wanting it no matter what (a la Andrew Shaw)…if LeBlanc can develop this “spirit” he can become a good pro…talent isn’t his issue.
Third, Garret Ross was impressive…his physical play set up our 2nd goal, and as he gains more confidence with the puck, I can see him becoming a very valuable/serviceable NHL forward…he might just be ready to contribute at some point this season…
Fourth, what the hell is wrong with Dylan Olsen? All that size and decent skating ability, and he is constantly found standing around, flat footed, watching the play develop instead of anticipating…for a make or break year, he hasn’t started it with any conviction…I really hope for his sake that he turns it around tonight.
Fifth, Byron Froese, who was a great scorer in Juniors, looked really good out there…solid 2 way play…he understands the Hawks style or system of play quite well, and he might be one to watch…when the Hawks drafted him in the 4th round a few years ago, he kind of sneaked under the wire, but he impressed me.
Sixth, Mac Carruth looked very sharp…solid net play to keep it a 2-2…I think he will make a very good NHL goaltender.
Seventh, Danault was EVERYWHERE and always where the puck was…there’s no question that he is going to become a good Pro…he does everything well…
Finally, Mark McNeill…I thought he skated well, and certainly plays a sound, physical game, but again, the last 2 times I have watched him, there isn’t enough fire in his belly…and I wonder why? I hope that the next 2 games see him a real force out there on the ice…
That’s it for now…its going to be fun to watch them again tonight.
One other quick note, even though he had a bad mistake, Dylan Fournier is an impressive DMan…did I say how much I liked Byron Froese’s game? He could surprise.