As announced by Adam Jahns the Hawks have acquired Michael Frolik and goalie Alexander Salak from Dale Tallon and the Panthers for Jack Skille, Hugh Jessiman and David Pacan. Certainly a win from the looks of things. More on this trade tomorrow.
Showing posts with label Jack Skille. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jack Skille. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Hawks trade Skille for Frolik
As announced by Adam Jahns the Hawks have acquired Michael Frolik and goalie Alexander Salak from Dale Tallon and the Panthers for Jack Skille, Hugh Jessiman and David Pacan. Certainly a win from the looks of things. More on this trade tomorrow.
Friday, October 1, 2010
And That's Why They Call it the Blues
Once again, the Hawks played last night and the only way to watch was a raw web feed through the Blues website. We'd be silly to expect the preseason of the Stanley Cup Champion Blackhawks to bump the utterly boring and pointless games of the Sox to CSN+ or anything. Morons. Before the game, the team called up Brandon Pirri and sent goalie Alec Richards packing to Rockford. The Hawks are again blacked out tonight against the Penguins, and then we have the luxury of watching them finish up the preseason Sunday night against these same Blues.
John Scott with fist-a-blazin
The Hawks twater page was the next best play-by-play for the game, and CSN put together some highlights. I logged into the web feed for about 10 mins, but quickly became annoyed with it, and called it a night. I'm sure Pirri was just a temporary fill in because Jonny Be Goode was at home, no doubt glued to his MAC book, watching his team on the brilliant interweb feed. Keith, Hossa, and Sharpie were also held out of the game and probably huddled around their computers, as well. Sounds like they really peppered Halak in the first, and once they couldn't crack him, it all went downhill. Beach and Scott entered into fisticuffs with those pesky Blues, as well. Here are the highlights of the game, and here are a few observations:
-No doubt Pirri will end up back with the Hogs in Rockford, but I like the kid and I'm happy to see him playing against NHLers again, even if it only lasts a game or two.
-Whoever was running the camera sucks.
-Oshie's move absolutely left Turco in a crumpled mess. That kid is good, and that is a sweet move.
-Halak looks as good as advertised, in the playoffs last season. The Blues are going to beat some people this year.
-Turco's pads don't look quite as hideous with the away jerseys and the white mask.
-Morin's penalty shot was uneventful. I would have expected a little more pizazz from the kid. This is your chance to really make the highlight reel.
-I wish I could tell you more about Smith's goal, but the camera man was too busy admiring the form of the shot from the point. I guess it's preseason for camera men too.
-Word is that Skille went to the locker room holding his left arm close to his body. I hope it's nothing serious, because the guy is finally on the verge of cracking the lineup. A serious injury would be devastating.
Below is a reprint of the twater feed, if anyone is curious:
EDIT: Here are the highlights from another angle, via the Hawks website. No sound, but it'll do.
John Scott with fist-a-blazin
The Hawks twater page was the next best play-by-play for the game, and CSN put together some highlights. I logged into the web feed for about 10 mins, but quickly became annoyed with it, and called it a night. I'm sure Pirri was just a temporary fill in because Jonny Be Goode was at home, no doubt glued to his MAC book, watching his team on the brilliant interweb feed. Keith, Hossa, and Sharpie were also held out of the game and probably huddled around their computers, as well. Sounds like they really peppered Halak in the first, and once they couldn't crack him, it all went downhill. Beach and Scott entered into fisticuffs with those pesky Blues, as well. Here are the highlights of the game, and here are a few observations:
-No doubt Pirri will end up back with the Hogs in Rockford, but I like the kid and I'm happy to see him playing against NHLers again, even if it only lasts a game or two.
-Whoever was running the camera sucks.
-Oshie's move absolutely left Turco in a crumpled mess. That kid is good, and that is a sweet move.
-Halak looks as good as advertised, in the playoffs last season. The Blues are going to beat some people this year.
-Turco's pads don't look quite as hideous with the away jerseys and the white mask.
-Morin's penalty shot was uneventful. I would have expected a little more pizazz from the kid. This is your chance to really make the highlight reel.
-I wish I could tell you more about Smith's goal, but the camera man was too busy admiring the form of the shot from the point. I guess it's preseason for camera men too.
-Word is that Skille went to the locker room holding his left arm close to his body. I hope it's nothing serious, because the guy is finally on the verge of cracking the lineup. A serious injury would be devastating.
Below is a reprint of the twater feed, if anyone is curious:
-Coach Q:: Skille day-to-day with upper body injury. Crawford will play the whole game tomorrow vs. Pittsburgh.
-Gotta love Hammer. Talked postgame about how he wants to do more shot blocking on D. "It's a glamorous job," he said.
-That's the game. Hawks fall 4-1 to the Blues.
-Steen with the empty-netter, giving St. Louis the three-goal cushion. 1:37 to go.
-Morin stopped on a penalty shot, 4 minutes left in regulation. Hawks still trailing 3-1.
-Cullimore gets the holding call, Hawks head to the PK. A little more than 10 left to go, still trailing by 2.
-No Keith, Seabrook or Campbell tonight. Not the defense you will see come Oct. 7.
-Just announced: Jack Skille is not returning tonight.
-3-1 Blues as D'Agostini snipes the puck past Turco after a good pass by Crombeen. 17 minutes to play in regulation.
-The 2nd period closes with the Blues up by a goal. Hawks still holding a sizeable shot advantage, 24-15. Stay tuned for the 3rd.
-Oshie, who slipped past the Hawks' D, beats Turco and puts the Blues ahead 2-1 with 3 to go in the 2nd.
-Skille heading to the locker room, looked like he was holding his arm. We'll update when we have something. 7:16 left in the 2nd period.
-Perron scores right in front of the crease off a pass by Backes from behind the net. 1-1 with 10 left to play in the 2nd period.
-Ben Smith connects just before the power play expires, assisted by Hammer and Stalberg. 1-0 good guys with 11 to go in the 2nd.
-Morin draws a penalty, Hawks to the PP again. Hawks are getting a lot of shots: 20 through just over 24 minutes of play.
-Hjalmarsson is back on the ice. Hawks to the PP with Jackman in the box for slashing. 16 to go in the 2nd.
-Hammer went down to block a shot, stays down. Got off the ice under his own power and still on the bench. 2nd just underway.
-The first comes to a close, with the Hawks and Blues scoreless. Good frame for the good guys: 14-5 in shots, and solid puck possession.
-If the Hawks brought Scott in for toughness, he did his job there. He's got a great reach during a fight. 0-0 with 7 left in the 1st.
-Winchester and Scott (which happens to sound like a fine wine or antique rifle) throw down. That's 13.5 feet of hockey player at war.
-Hawks go to the PK with Cullimore in the box. 9:53 left in the 1st. Hawks are out-shooting the Blues 9-1.
-Backes gets called for tripping as the Hawks go to the man-advantage. 12 minutes left in the 1st, still scoreless.
-Kyle Beach and BJ Crombeen drop the gloves two minutes in. Beach took a couple of big hits, but gave out a few too. 0-0.
-Tonight's starters: Hammer, Hendry, Stalberg, Smith, Bickell and Turco. Pirri, just recalled today, is in the lineup.
EDIT: Here are the highlights from another angle, via the Hawks website. No sound, but it'll do.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Double Dose of the Evil Red Army, and Musical Chairs
On the next "Bromance"
The first really eventful week came to a close Sunday, and the Hawks came out of it 1-2 and quite a bit lighter. They made several roster moves and split a Friday/Saturday home and home series with the Ivan Dragos to our Rocky, the Dead Wings.
-On Friday, the Hawks assigned, Forward David Gilbert to the Acadie-Bathurst Titans (QMJHL). No huge surprise, so I'm not going to spend much time on it, but He looked good in the rookie tournament, and was pretty much invisible in the game Wednesday.
-Friday's game against the Wings was a joke. Bolland, Kopecky, Brouwer, and Campbell were the only real noteworthy players in the lineup. Poor Corey Crawford, really didn't have much support. Most of the goals were poorly covered rebounds, and sketchy defense. Blah...blah, blah, blah.
-Saturday, the Hawks announced a flurry of roster cuts. Forwards Brandon Bollig, Rob Klinkhammer and Brandon Pirri, and defensemen Jonathan Carlsson, Simon Danis-Pepin, Ryan Stanton and Ivan Vishnevskiy were sent to Rockford. They also released forwards Rastislav Pavlikovsky and Nick Tarnasky, and defenseman Wade Brookbank. None of these moves surprise me, and the only one that was remotely noticeable was Pirri. He had a few nice plays, but he clearly needs some seasoning in Rockford.
Mr. Jack Skille
-Saturday night, the bottom half of the home and home series was back at the UC. Obviously, Quenneville rested up the big boys for the home preseason debut, and the Wings did the opposite. I really didn't see a lot of the game, but some things caught my eye. Turco's outlet pass to Kane, which set up a goal, was excellent; both from Turco's end and from Kane's. Turco noticed Detoilet changing lines and launched an outlet pass from the crease to the far blue line, where Kane was waiting. Kane was able to smoothly trap the pass and worked it in the zone to Pisani who fed Keith for a perfect one timer. Something, Huet or Niemi couldn't dream of. Jack Skille was actually, wait for it; NOTICEABLE. Now, keep in mind, we're talking about a half ass Wings lineup, but he had a goal, and assist and 4 shots on net. I didn't find myself asking, "Who is that number 20, out there?". I realize big bad John Scott made his debut, but I wasn't able to pay enough attention to the game to recall anything of substance in his play. Hossa quietly had a 2 point night and Fernando Pisani had a 2 assist night. Let's not all start planning the June Stanley Cup parade, but the team looks well, with most of the regulars playing. Turco played the whole game and looked pretty good. A few people have mentioned how small he looks, and I agree. He's probably closer to 5'9" than 5'11", but I don't care. He's aggressive, and athletic. Those two things, alone, will stick in the back of opposing players minds. Past goalies almost looked frightened by the thought of playing the puck, much less, turning it around and unleashing a 75' pass on the tape of a teammate. He may have his soft moments, but plays like that one make me smile and give me the "warm fuzzies", in the cockles of my heart. Well played, Sir!
-Sunday the Hawks assigned forward Chris DiDomenico and defenseman Shawn Lalonde to Rockford. Again, no big surprise. Lalonde is a player the Hawks are very high on, but needs a little AHL flavor added to his game. Connelly and Leddy have been much more consistent. The person that is SHOCKINGLY still on the roster, is Jassen Cullimore. There is no way that guy makes the this team. He has the worst qualities of Matt Walker and Brent Sopel, all rolled into one big 37 year old sloth. My prediction is that Leddy and Cullimore get moved to Rockford. Connolly is a 50/50 bet, but I just don't see him sticking at only 5'10" (probably really 5'8") 167lbs. that would leave Keith, Seabrook, Campbell, Hjalmarsson, Boynton, Hendry, and Scott. If there are any injuries or trades, Connelly or Leddy are the guys that are coming up. With Connelly making almost half what Leddy is, you can bet that Connelly will be the first guy brought up, if needed.
-Lastly, the phenom that is Jeremy Morin just keeps chugging along. Everybody loves him, and he's exciting. In fact, he's exciting enough to earn that #27 on his back that another legendary Jeremy once wore, but I still don't see him sticking right away. He's only 19, and right out of the juniors. Facing top 6 defensemen in the NHL every night will be a lot different than the hacks he's seen in the preseason. Don't get me wrong, I think he's going to be a star for this team in the very near future, but where does he play? 3rd or 4th line? That's a complete waste of his talent and skillset. He's a top 6 player, and needs powerplay time. Send him to Rockford, let him absolutely dominate the AHL competition, build his confidence, and work him in as needed. Rushing him up to waste away at the bottom of the lineup is just foolish. It's very nice to have the problem of too much talent. I still stand by my prediction that Makarov wins a spot over Morin, even though I think Morin is going to be a better player.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Blackhawks News and Deja Vu's
For about 5 days, I’ve been basically out of the realm of technology, and out of the realm of catastrophic Chicago floods, apparently. I used my phone to skim through the news, but I let the electronic leashes go, and it was pretty damn refreshing. But, as they say, all good things must come to an end, and here I am. I purposely let some news back up, so I could lend my insight and opinions on the events. Of course, I’m never short on opinions, so let’s dive right into the thick of some Blackhawks news.
Bryan Bickell, Jake Dowell, and Jack Skille
The first news was that the Hawks resigned Bryan Bickell, and former University of Wisconsin teammates Jake Dowell, and Jack Skille. Hardly groundbreaking news but these are important people to fill out the roster. Bickell, a 2nd round pick (41st overall) in 2002, signed for 3 years for about $540,000 a year. Jake Dowell, a 5th round pick (140th overall) in 2004, is in roughly the same situation with a 2 year contract with an annual cap hit of $525,000. Both these guys are going to be 3rd liners at best, and probably 4th line role players, but they are cheap, young and hungry. I hope to see some solid numbers out of them. Now, Jack Skille’s deal is a tad on the amusing side, and I might classify it as a "mercy signing". He took a 50% pay cut to stay and took the “defending champs” discount. Personally, I think this shows a total lack of confidence in him, and it’s not unwarranted. He was drafted 7th overall in the first round of ’05; previous to some kids named Toews and Kane in ’06 and ’07. Granted, Toews and Kane were 3rd and 1st overall respectively, but 7th selections are generally no slouches. Some names that have been picked, recently, in that position are Kyle Okposo, Ryan Suter, Mike Komisarek, Jason Arnott, and Shane Doan. So, to say he’s underachieved is a bit of an understatement. Disappointment is a word I’d throw over Jack Skille’s mug shot, and he probably wouldn’t be able to one time that into the net either. For his sake, I hope he shows a little fight, and some knack for putting the puck in the back of the net this training camp, because if this isn’t a chance to shine and play for the defending Stanley Cup champs, I don’t know what is. It’s pretty safe to say he has his last shot right now. So, here’s to pulling your head out of your ass and putting the puck in the net, Jack. We all hope you’re just a late bloomer.
Nick Leddy
The next news is the signing of young Defenseman Nick Leddy, the 16th overall pick by Minnesota on ‘09. The Hawks signed him to a 3 year, $2.7 million contract. For those of you who were a little preoccupied by the little Stanley Cup run last year; Leddy was acquired with, the possibly whacked by the Swedish mob and currently appearing on milk cartons everywhere, Kim Johnsson for the overpriced Cam Barker. The key to that trade was Leddy, and not Johnsson, so this is good news that the scouting staff thinks he’s progressed enough to play in Rockford, at the very least. Some reports have him looking like(and by looking I don't mean the carrot-top afro) a young Brian Campbell, hopefully minus the pointless spin-o-ramas, and current Penguins free agent signee/breakout player, Paul Martin. I’m really excited to see what this kid can do, and I’m pulling for him to pan out. I like what the Hawks staff has done with their young talent, and I think this kid will benefit from their experience. The key to a deep organization is their development of kids, rather than the signing of established free agents, and the Hawks are doing just that pretty well.
Borrowed from www.hockeybroads.com, but accurate.
Now to the real ranting, and hold on to your seats. Last night, a report was floated that the Blackhawks are in negotiations/talks with Jose Theodore, in case this Niemi arbitration goes bad. I almost slit my wrists, throat, and then doused myself in kerosene while holding a lit match, as I read this. Mind you, the name HAS been mentioned as a replacement should Niemi have to be let go. Those of you who just look at stats and awards might think a 33 year old, former Vezina, Hart, and Masterton trophy winner would be a great plan "B", and on paper it sounds like a potpourri of flowers, kittens, rainbows, and peace in the middle east. This couldn’t be further from the truth and I REALLY loathe the idea of him wearing the Indianhead with the number 60 on the back. If you disregard that one year, which I fully believe was a fluke, you have a player that has been slightly above average for a majority of his career, has lost his starting job multiple times, in the last few seasons, to a guy who has yet to keep a steady job in the NHL (Semyon Varlamov), and has even lost his job to the very french skid-mark I can’t mention without dry-heaving for a good half hour, back in Montreal. The very same former Canadians/Capitals skid-mark that has lost HIS starting position multiple times in the last few seasons, which Hawks are currently trying to whack, banish to Siberia, send on a one way flight to the Pacific Ocean, or send on a mission to Mars thanks to Dale Tallon. I certainly hope I’m not the only person that see’s that this is déjà vu, all over again. Stan Bowman now wants to consider handing him the keys to our Stanley Cup defense bus? At that rate, we should KEEP Huet and we could have two flim-flam, dopey, fragile ego’d sieves. If you haven’t read my tone yet, I disagree with this vehemently. Marty Turco is still a MUCH better and consistent option. I hated the Huet signing the day it happened, and I’d feel the same with Theodore. Don’t put me, or any of my Facebook friends, through any more of this torture, please. I doubt they could tolerate my hatred laced Facebook rants for another entire season. Just when I thought I’d never have to see Huet give up another "soft as baby shit" goal, they ring up his alter-ego. Honestly, I’d rather fail with my hopes on Corey Crawford. That’s how little confidence I have in Theodore. I’m hoping the Hockey gods shine a little ray of light down on the Blackhawk nation, because we’ve already endured an emotional summer thus far.
Bryan Bickell, Jake Dowell, and Jack Skille
The first news was that the Hawks resigned Bryan Bickell, and former University of Wisconsin teammates Jake Dowell, and Jack Skille. Hardly groundbreaking news but these are important people to fill out the roster. Bickell, a 2nd round pick (41st overall) in 2002, signed for 3 years for about $540,000 a year. Jake Dowell, a 5th round pick (140th overall) in 2004, is in roughly the same situation with a 2 year contract with an annual cap hit of $525,000. Both these guys are going to be 3rd liners at best, and probably 4th line role players, but they are cheap, young and hungry. I hope to see some solid numbers out of them. Now, Jack Skille’s deal is a tad on the amusing side, and I might classify it as a "mercy signing". He took a 50% pay cut to stay and took the “defending champs” discount. Personally, I think this shows a total lack of confidence in him, and it’s not unwarranted. He was drafted 7th overall in the first round of ’05; previous to some kids named Toews and Kane in ’06 and ’07. Granted, Toews and Kane were 3rd and 1st overall respectively, but 7th selections are generally no slouches. Some names that have been picked, recently, in that position are Kyle Okposo, Ryan Suter, Mike Komisarek, Jason Arnott, and Shane Doan. So, to say he’s underachieved is a bit of an understatement. Disappointment is a word I’d throw over Jack Skille’s mug shot, and he probably wouldn’t be able to one time that into the net either. For his sake, I hope he shows a little fight, and some knack for putting the puck in the back of the net this training camp, because if this isn’t a chance to shine and play for the defending Stanley Cup champs, I don’t know what is. It’s pretty safe to say he has his last shot right now. So, here’s to pulling your head out of your ass and putting the puck in the net, Jack. We all hope you’re just a late bloomer.
Nick Leddy
The next news is the signing of young Defenseman Nick Leddy, the 16th overall pick by Minnesota on ‘09. The Hawks signed him to a 3 year, $2.7 million contract. For those of you who were a little preoccupied by the little Stanley Cup run last year; Leddy was acquired with, the possibly whacked by the Swedish mob and currently appearing on milk cartons everywhere, Kim Johnsson for the overpriced Cam Barker. The key to that trade was Leddy, and not Johnsson, so this is good news that the scouting staff thinks he’s progressed enough to play in Rockford, at the very least. Some reports have him looking like(and by looking I don't mean the carrot-top afro) a young Brian Campbell, hopefully minus the pointless spin-o-ramas, and current Penguins free agent signee/breakout player, Paul Martin. I’m really excited to see what this kid can do, and I’m pulling for him to pan out. I like what the Hawks staff has done with their young talent, and I think this kid will benefit from their experience. The key to a deep organization is their development of kids, rather than the signing of established free agents, and the Hawks are doing just that pretty well.
Borrowed from www.hockeybroads.com, but accurate.
Now to the real ranting, and hold on to your seats. Last night, a report was floated that the Blackhawks are in negotiations/talks with Jose Theodore, in case this Niemi arbitration goes bad. I almost slit my wrists, throat, and then doused myself in kerosene while holding a lit match, as I read this. Mind you, the name HAS been mentioned as a replacement should Niemi have to be let go. Those of you who just look at stats and awards might think a 33 year old, former Vezina, Hart, and Masterton trophy winner would be a great plan "B", and on paper it sounds like a potpourri of flowers, kittens, rainbows, and peace in the middle east. This couldn’t be further from the truth and I REALLY loathe the idea of him wearing the Indianhead with the number 60 on the back. If you disregard that one year, which I fully believe was a fluke, you have a player that has been slightly above average for a majority of his career, has lost his starting job multiple times, in the last few seasons, to a guy who has yet to keep a steady job in the NHL (Semyon Varlamov), and has even lost his job to the very french skid-mark I can’t mention without dry-heaving for a good half hour, back in Montreal. The very same former Canadians/Capitals skid-mark that has lost HIS starting position multiple times in the last few seasons, which Hawks are currently trying to whack, banish to Siberia, send on a one way flight to the Pacific Ocean, or send on a mission to Mars thanks to Dale Tallon. I certainly hope I’m not the only person that see’s that this is déjà vu, all over again. Stan Bowman now wants to consider handing him the keys to our Stanley Cup defense bus? At that rate, we should KEEP Huet and we could have two flim-flam, dopey, fragile ego’d sieves. If you haven’t read my tone yet, I disagree with this vehemently. Marty Turco is still a MUCH better and consistent option. I hated the Huet signing the day it happened, and I’d feel the same with Theodore. Don’t put me, or any of my Facebook friends, through any more of this torture, please. I doubt they could tolerate my hatred laced Facebook rants for another entire season. Just when I thought I’d never have to see Huet give up another "soft as baby shit" goal, they ring up his alter-ego. Honestly, I’d rather fail with my hopes on Corey Crawford. That’s how little confidence I have in Theodore. I’m hoping the Hockey gods shine a little ray of light down on the Blackhawk nation, because we’ve already endured an emotional summer thus far.