You were busy with college football and the NFL opening weekend. (And why wouldn't you be? Notre Dame collapsing and the Bears engorging on Falcon meat? How does it get better?) But members of the Hawks organization were on the ice in Ontario the past two days.
The Maple Leafs rookie tournament kicked off with the Baby Hawks playing two games in 15 hours. Bet you feel fat now.
Sadly, the Hawks dropped both of them, 4-2 to the Leafs' kids and 6-5 to the Senators. They end the tournament tomorrow with a game against the Penguins' kids, who are also 0-2.
Some notes:
- Brandon Saad, the player that some say the Hawks stole in the second round of the draft this year, has been just about their best player. Three goals in two games, and demonstrating the high awareness that made him so attractive in the first place. He's also thrown in a couple assists, one of the truly nasty variety. Keep an eye on this kid this year in junior.
- Phillip Danault, a first round pick, impressed in the first game without scoring. He created multiple chances. He did not play in the second game, however.
- The other first-round pick however, Mark McNeil, has struggled. He's been treating the puck like a hand grenade, probably too desperate to make things happen and make a name for himself. McNeil should relax, realize there's no way he's making the Blackhawks roster this season, and let his game flourish at junior.
- Jeremy Morin hasn't featured in either game, which if I were the panicky sort, would raise questions about his health. But I'm in far too good of a mood for that (30-12!).
- Jimmy Hayes threw around his size for two goals yesterday, which is a good thing as the Hawks are short on big wingers in the system. It should also put Kyle Beach on high alert.
