Bloggers Breakouts 2011 - Chicago Blackhawks
by jaymeyer on Sep 2, 2011 3:27 PM EDT
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The Fifth Feather is a great Chicago Blackhawks blog that's been around since 2008. This will be the third BB they have done with FHS and we're always appreciative of their feedback and sage advice. Make sure you check out their site if you're a Hawks fan... actually check them out either way.
We asked the guys seven fantasy questions related to the Hawks... below are their answers.
Click here for more Blogger's Breakouts.
If you're interested in FHS' breakout picks and fantasy take on the Hawks check out our draft kit which includes The Breakout Bible, the Fantasy Scouting Report (with SuperStats included) and our Fantasy Prospect Database.
BY JOHN AND BOB FROM FIFTH FEATHER
We keep waiting and waiting but this is probably the one year Marian Hossa will have no more excuses. He's had more rest this summer than he did in the previous three (almost) combined. So now would be a good time for him to justify the $7 million+ he's making for the next few years. A 40/30/+15 slash line shouldn't be out of the realm of possibility.
Q2) Darkhorse Breakout on the Blackhawks?
With Brian Campbell out of the picture, either Steve Montador or Nick Leddy will get the lion's share of those minutes Campbell gobbled up. While Montador doesn't get your blood pumping, he should be able to crack 25-30 points and a plus rating from the blue line this year. Leddy, however, has the potential to double that. He showed flashes at the end of the year what he's capable of and if he continues to gain Joel Quenneville's trust, he's going to get a heck of an opportunity.
We'll keep it somewhat local and say whoever centers Martin Havlat in San Jose. The man who once owned our hearts seems destined to now break it. Whether it's Logan Couture or Joe Pavelski, someone is going to have a career year skating with him. Of course, a lot depends on Havlat's health, but as Dave Bolland can attest, it's amazing how much room Havlat creates for his linemates. 70-75 points shouldn't be a problem for Couture or Pavelski if they see extended time with Havlat.
Q4) Player likely to Breakdown on the Blackhawks?
It may look enticing to grab a young player who potted 17 goals last year and expect bigger and better things but don't expect a duplicate performance from Bryan Bickell this year. He scored an inordinate amount of cheesy goals last year that came from just inside the blue line (based on sheer memory alone, we can recall six). The bottom line is, we don't expect him to come close to those numbers unless he starts scoring from closer in.
Q5) Best Fantasy Prospect on the Blackhawks?
Another young guy who got a chance at the end of last year was Marcus Kruger. The Hawks are very high on him and there's a strong chance he makes the opening day roster. With the Hawks thin at center at the NHL ranks, he'll likely get a long look skating with players that know a thing or two about scoring like Patrick Sharp, Patrick Kane, Marian Hossa, or Andrew Brunette.
Q6) How do you see the Blackhawks Goalie Situation playing out this year?
This is one of the very few roster battles in training camp. The Hawks gave Ray Emery a tryout contract and have former Panther goalie prospect Alexander Salak waiting in the wings. The two will fight it out for the back-up spot. And if we've learned anything the last four years, the Blackhawks back-up goalie ends up being their starting goalie by the end of the year. Corey Crawford is firmly entrenched as the starter, though, so he'll have a much longer rope than his predecessors, Cristobal Huet, Nikolai Khabibulin, and Marty Turco.
Q7) Other than Patrick Sharp, who else will play regularly on a line with Toews & Kane?
In short, just about everybody. Joel Quenneville mixes and matches so many times throughout the course of a season that just about everybody gets a chance with Toews and Kane. Viktor Stalberg, Bryan Bickell, and Rostislav Olesz (if he makes the team) are all rumored to get an extended look with the faces of the franchise. Also, don't be surprised if the Hawks split the two up during even-strength play. The Hawks are trying to spread out their scoring and moving their top two offensive threats apart may do that.
Thanks to John and Bob for the feedback on all things Chicago. If you have any more questions regarding the Hawks hit the comments and we (or hopefully John and Bob) will be around to answer them.
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Jeremy Morin??
I’m expecting him to be on Kane and Toews’ LW by then middle of the season at the latest
Interesting choice… I’d love to see it but think Morin needs more than just 31 pro games (plus the 1st half of this season) to earn a shot on the top line.
BTW, no mention of Brunette, the boys must have him penciled onto L2.
SBN Fantasy Hockey Blog: Fantasy Hockey Scouts
by Cam Collingwood on Sep 4, 2011 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m pretty hopeful Brunette gets a long look with Kane and Toews. Those other chumps can play with Hoss and Sharp.
Fantasy Hockey Scouts: a fantasy hockey blog on SB Nation
Morin will most likely be added to the team by the trade deadline
assuming he can stay healthy (something he’s yet to prove at the professional level) and he continues to show progress. We chose Kruger as their best fantasy prospect, though, because he’s the more likely of the two to play close to 82 games and will have the better numbers at the end of the season.
In addition, Kruger’s addition will have an adverse effect on the Hawks top 2 lines. At the start of the season, you’ll very likely see him centering Kane and Sharp with Toews centering Brunette and Hossa. Bolland will center Frolik and Bickell.
So like we said, don’t be stunned if Kane and Toews are split up, at least to start the season.
FifthFeather.com
by El Duque's Raft on Sep 6, 2011 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions
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