Wilderness Walk: It Was All Johansson

Missing Spurgeon,  Dumba, Brodin, Kirill, Zuc, Ek, Shaw and Sundqvvist.  Missing 8 players is tough.  It showed.  Not a good game.  I was disappointed in Rossi.. again. He was invisible. Petan outplayed him.  Addison had an awful game playing next to Middleton.   Faber looked fantastic.  Wow does he have great footwork.  He will be in the starting rotation next year.

Can’t believe I’m saying this but I wouldn’t mind MoJo coming back on a one year deal for the right price.  And I trust BG not to screw it up, like sending a 1st and a 2nd for D’Angelo.   It’s like Fletcher has self destructive disorder

Last night's game was an interesting watch.  For those who don't really care right now if it's a W or L, we got to see the state of the depth. Honestly, I think it was the right move to leave so many guys home.  But, what did we learn?

1. We learned that Brock Faber is a very capable defender
2. We learned that Calen Addison is not, and isn't really interested in being one
3. We learned that Marco Rrrrossi hasn't learned his lessons yet
4. Nic Petan isn't going to help this lineup either
5. Marcus Foligno has had a frustrating year. He took it out on Englund. For perspective, it's like he realized that our PP was absolutely putrid and did what he could do to get some life into this team. Questionable strategy that worked out.
6. We learned, and have probably known, that Klingberg has turned into a brutal defender. I sure hope he is better in the playoffs, but he is better than Addison.
7. We learned that Boldy-Johansson have some real good chemistry.
8. We learned that Petan-Rrrrossi-Hartman did not.
9. Even Duhaime-Dewar-Reaves looked off. 

For those thinking that perhaps the Blackhawks are tanking and trying to lose for Bedard, it is my sincere belief that this franchise is headed into purgatory for past sins. Yes, they are a large market, but so are Montreal, and Anaheim.  And who wouldn't love to see Bedard start his career next to Ovi?  Chicago spent a few decades being completely irrelevant and the league was fine.  When the ping pong balls get chosen, my money's on the Canadiens.  

Also, not enough love for Goose2. He really held down the fort until the offense came.

I can't remember how many times I saw Goose2 bailing out a beaten #2 last night.  I had a real good look at the back of that jersey a lot.

CHL update- Hunter Haight recorded an apple in Saginaw's game 7 win last night.  Looks like Friday night is the start of the next round. SKA plays game 6 tomorrow as Khus&%^& and the gang are down 3-2.  

I briefly checked to see if there was any Danila Yurov news.  I'd have to imagine that the longer we hear nothing, the better it is for him to come here.  Perhaps the real reason Kaprizov didn't play last night was he was busy recruiting the young (possible) superstar to get over here and help him out?  I believe the conversation went something like "Zuccy only has 1 year left here, I need help, get over here."  

34 minutes ago, mnfaninnc said:

We learned, and have probably known, that Klingberg has turned into a brutal defender. I sure hope he is better in the playoffs, but he is better than Addison.

Klingberg and Addison make Dumba look like an all star.  Faber needs work but did hold his own.  I think he makes the lineup next year.

Remember last summer people were saying Rossi is a lock to make the team AND replace Fiala’s points.  Not the consensus, but many were of that opinion.  

Rossi Bust-o-meter: increased to 50% after last nights display against a bad CHI org’s B team.  Just bad. 

let’s temper our enthusiasm for all of our can’t miss prospects- Denny Downer

Ugly, ugly stuff last night - but it was a nice birthday present to see the team steal that game.  I also think it was a smart move to sit the majority of the top players, and the coaches & GM got to see what our depth was capable of (against an atrocious Hawks club).  The look on GMBG's face when they pointed the camera at him was priceless lmao.

That said, I think it's a completely different narrative tonight against the Jets at home.  I would be VERY content on assisting one of our rivals to an early tee-time this summer.

Foligno:  the Gladiator move with Englund's helmet was freaking AWESOME dude! LOL.  

2 hours ago, mnfaninnc said:

1. We learned that Brock Faber is a very capable defender
2. We learned that Calen Addison is not, and isn't really interested in being one
3. We learned that Marco Rrrrossi hasn't learned his lessons yet

 

Agreed, Faber looked great for first time out in the NHL, a few miscues but nothing bad. As for Rossi, I am willing to give a bit more time to, first game back up looked better but still not what we hoped to see (those line mates didn't do him any favors). I think we allow the offseason and see if he can pick it up next year and show something more like we are expecting but time is running out on him.  Addison..... man, I had some hope of a good offensive style defenseman, but clearly there is lack of interest to get better in his own zone I think, time to cut ties, package in a trade and move on.

2 hours ago, mnfaninnc said:

 

We learned that Marco Rrrrossi hasn't learned his lessons yet

I won't get to, but would like to see him get more than 12 minutes on a half-decent line in a game the team took seriously before declaring that.

5 minutes ago, Tony Abbott said:

I won't get to, but would like to see him get more than 12 minutes on a half-decent line in a game the team took seriously before declaring that.

Perhaps you could blame his lack of getting points on a poor supporting cast of line-mates, but it would be a stretch to blame his line-mates for the coasting and basic lack of engagement.  If he can only add value with top six forwards, is he really a future star?  I like him as a player, but at some point he needs to play with a little fire and make the best of the opportunity.

Do people forget Matt Boldy was on a line with Kevin Fiala, not only a talented and dynamic forward but also someone Boldy had great chemistry with? Look at how Boldy was before the Marcus Johansson trade, Boldy was struggling. Imagine Boldy wasn’t introduced to the NHL without a capable offensive teammate with chemistry, the conversation might be different.

Chemistry matters. I don’t believe Rossi was given a chance to play with complementing players. To expect him to be the guy who fits in anywhere is a lot to ask for any one player, with the exceptions of Kaprizov, Brodin, and Spurgeon. Sure, he has to get used to playing at the highest level, however, I believe patience and more opportunity is needed.

17 minutes ago, hockey_fan_87 said:

Perhaps you could blame his lack of getting points on a poor supporting cast of line-mates, but it would be a stretch to blame his line-mates for the coasting and basic lack of engagement.  If he can only add value with top six forwards, is he really a future star?  I like him as a player, but at some point he needs to play with a little fire and make the best of the opportunity.

I thought he had a good third period. Saw him forecheck to keep a play alive early, saw him win a board battle leading to one of the power plays, almost scored a goal. I don't really blame his line-mates so much as his coach. Hard to say "don't play it safe" when you're always first on the chopping block when it comes to ice time.

40 minutes ago, Tony Abbott said:

I thought he had a good third period. Saw him forecheck to keep a play alive early, saw him win a board battle leading to one of the power plays, almost scored a goal. I don't really blame his line-mates so much as his coach. Hard to say "don't play it safe" when you're always first on the chopping block when it comes to ice time.

Valid point for sure, but he played it safe last time he was up, and got sent down to Iowa.  Maybe this time he should just put it all on the line and go for it??  

46 minutes ago, Jon said:

Do people forget Matt Boldy was on a line with Kevin Fiala, not only a talented and dynamic forward but also someone Boldy had great chemistry with? Look at how Boldy was before the Marcus Johansson trade, Boldy was struggling. Imagine Boldy wasn’t introduced to the NHL without a capable offensive teammate with chemistry, the conversation might be different.

Chemistry matters. I don’t believe Rossi was given a chance to play with complementing players. To expect him to be the guy who fits in anywhere is a lot to ask for any one player, with the exceptions of Kaprizov, Brodin, and Spurgeon. Sure, he has to get used to playing at the highest level, however, I believe patience and more opportunity is needed.

Sure, I agree the chemistry is important if you are looking only at goals/assists and great scoring chances, but not that important if you are just  looking for a little hustle/grit and fire.

16 minutes ago, hockey_fan_87 said:

Sure, I agree the chemistry is important if you are looking only at goals/assists and great scoring chances, but not that important if you are just  looking for a little hustle/grit and fire.

Hopefully, we see Rossi play again tonight

3 hours ago, Pewterschmidt said:

Remember last summer people were saying Rossi is a lock to make the team AND replace Fiala’s points.  Not the consensus, but many were of that opinion.  

Rossi Bust-o-meter: increased to 50% after last nights display against a bad CHI org’s B team.  Just bad. 

let’s temper our enthusiasm for all of our can’t miss prospects- Denny Downer

I was one of those who predicted Rossi with the Calder. "Just a bit outside" would be my conclusion.  I was so excited that Lundell was still available at 9 that year. I thought he and Ek would be a great combo and Lundell's offensive instincts were ahead of Koivu's.  I thought his size would translate better.  

I got excited about Rossi still being there at 9 after we drafted him.  I guess I just try to think those guys know what they're doing.  I believe my 1st instinct was accurate, Lundell was the guy to take.

Lundell hasn't really done that much this season, either. I think he'll be good, but I also think Rossi will be good, and the thing about prospects is: You can't draft em all. 

1 hour ago, Tony Abbott said:

I won't get to, but would like to see him get more than 12 minutes on a half-decent line in a game the team took seriously before declaring that.

Some things need to be earned, even if it was an in game earning.  As bad as the team played, Evason could have blended the lines after 2. Had Rossi been playing with hustle, assertive, and driving play, we could have seen that in the 3rd.  But, the eye test said not that night.  What we saw was a lot of gliding, soft play, unwillingness to hit or skate hard except for 1 shift on a PP.  Even the announcer, after the lady commenter puff pieced Rossi with never ending optimism said, he's been invisible in the game, much like his other 16. I respect that announcer for his honesty.  

34 minutes ago, hockey_fan_87 said:

Valid point for sure, but he played it safe last time he was up, and got sent down to Iowa.  Maybe this time he should just put it all on the line and go for it??  

It may be that he’s not “playing safe” but simply playing the way he plays.  Maybe he was able to cherry pick and score bunch of goals with the ole 69’s playing juniors in OHL?, where defense goes to die.  This is who he is.  And he doesn’t have the size, strength or speed to adapt to pro game in age early 20’s (ie Ek), so this is who he’ll always be.  Doesn’t have Fiala’s hands or Zuccarello’s vision.   Do we still think Brackett is a draft wizard?

#hottaketuesday

How many Wild games do you think that announcer watched, haha?

1 minute ago, Tony Abbott said:

How many Wild games do you think that announcer watched, haha?

Regardless he hit the nail on the head and wasn’t afraid to say it into a mic.  I think that was Dominic Moore

I'm still waiting for the moment when Rossi does that one thing, that little glimpse, of the true nature of his talent.  Granted I haven't watched anything from Iowa just his NHL games, but I haven't seen that glimpse at all.  For comparison, I think we all saw that glimpse in Faber last night. 

1 hour ago, Pewterschmidt said:

It may be that he’s not “playing safe” but simply playing the way he plays.  Maybe he was able to cherry pick and score bunch of goals with the ole 69’s playing juniors in OHL?, where defense goes to die.  This is who he is.  And he doesn’t have the size, strength or speed to adapt to pro game in age early 20’s (ie Ek), so this is who he’ll always be.  Doesn’t have Fiala’s hands or Zuccarello’s vision.   Do we still think Brackett is a draft wizard?

#hottaketuesday

We'll see. While I haven't been terribly impressed with Rossi when he has been up (he also is billed as a playmaker and really hasn't played with a lot of guys to make plays to), some players take a while to adapt to the NHL. I mean look at Ek, he took almost 3 full NHL seasons to figure it out. And now he is our best center, and an excellent player.

I think what gives me confidence that Rossi may figure it out is what happened in Iowa. Rossi went down to Iowa, played well, and plays on the top line after Army realized his abilities. Contrast this with Addison, who played on the 3rd pairing most of his time in the AHL because Army realized him for what he is. A guy who wants cushioned power play minutes to score points and really doesn't care about the rest of the game. Army seems to realize when players are putting in effort and when they are not.

I think Rossi's issue may be confidence. I think once he scores and NHL goal or two, it will make a big difference in his psyche. Whether or not he becomes a true #1 center remains to be seen, but I definitely think there is more to him than what we have seen so far.