former players

[AZSIOUX]

Danny Kristo has been named to Team USA for the World Championship (May 3-19 in Helsinki)

http://www.undsports...TCLID=207421061

Wow, hell of a experience for Danny. Congrats and hope he sees some ice time! Will be a nice evaluation for Montreal.

[cutter]

But if you look at his Chay's plus minus he needed to score a lot of points to make up for all his defensive lapses. No one even wanted to be paired with Chay because of his defensive lapses always got blamed on his partner. Two UND D told me this.

It's amazing he has been able to play in the ahl. Would use a sarcasm emoticon but not quite sure how. Good luck to Kristo at the World Cup.

[yzerman19]

The case for Toewser for the Hart Trophy:

Captain of the President's Cup Winning Team

Tied for 2nd in league +/- (+28)

Tied for 5th in league goal scoring with teammate Kane (23 goals)

Tied for 9th in league total scoring (48 points)

Tied for 4th in GWG (5)

Tied for 4th in SHG (2)

2nd among regular centers in faceoff % (59.9%)

Tied for 2nd in shootout goals (5)

Pretty good case to be made...what a complete player he is...

[AZSIOUX]

Danny Kristo has been named to Team USA for the World Championship (May 3-19 in Helsinki)

http://www.undsports...TCLID=207421061

Another former sioux behind the bench for Canada at world champ.

@RichNairn9: Congratulations to #Coyotes head coach Dave Tippett on being named as assistant coach for Team Canada at World Championships.

[keikla]

Both Nelson and Chorney got called up to their respective NHL teams this weekend.

[choyt3]

Can't believe the team wasn't able to win a title while Corban Knight was a part of it... Especially with stats like the following: "Knight strung together a series of accomplishments throughout his college career, including a career-high 623 assists — 120 more than any other player — and posted a career high 49 points as a senior."

From: http://dakotastudent.com/sports/2013/04/knight-reflects-on-und.php

[iluvdebbies]

Can't believe the team wasn't able to win a title while Corban Knight was a part of it... Especially with stats like the following: "Knight strung together a series of accomplishments throughout his college career, including a career-high 623 assists — 120 more than any other player — and posted a career high 49 points as a senior."

From: http://dakotastudent...ects-on-und.php

WOW!.....who was scoring all the goals?.....that kind of production is going to be hard to replace!

[farce poobah]

The case for Toewser for the Hart Trophy:

Captain of the President's Cup Winning Team

Tied for 2nd in league +/- (+28)

Tied for 5th in league goal scoring with teammate Kane (23 goals)

Tied for 9th in league total scoring (48 points)

Tied for 4th in GWG (5)

Tied for 4th in SHG (2)

2nd among regular centers in faceoff % (59.9%)

Tied for 2nd in shootout goals (5)

Pretty good case to be made...what a complete player he is...

Thanks for pointing that out .... I think this almost rises to the level of a thread of its own, but since we're here, let's keep going.

1. As Captain, his role is to get his team ready to play the game. Nobody was more ready to start the season than the Blackhawks.

Think about it. In the uncertain period, 30 teams and 700-odd players were working out (some playing elsewhere, Europe, AHL, etc). Of those doing plain basic conditioning, who would be taking this "serious"? Yes, of course - Captain Serious.

When the puck finally dropped on January 19th, the Blackhawks started by getting a point in their first 24 games. - which is the proof that the Blackhawks were more serious during the uncertain period than anyone else.

2. An NHL-record start to the season: 21-0-3.

In the era of the salary cap, and in an era where one bounce decides games more often than say 1979, this is tribute to the day-in day-out consistency. That starts in the locker room, and that starts with the Captain.

3. Puck possession, and winning faceoffs is key.

Especially on special teams, where faceoffs drive possession and possession drives opportunities. Toews PP faceoff percentage was over 72% (93 of 129). And on shorthanded situations, Toews was 65% (35 of 54).

4. Puck pursuit, which is key to the Blackhawks game.

Leaders set the example, and Toews led the league with 56 takeaways. (Datysuk also had 56.) Relentless pursuit of the puck drives opportunities in Chicago's system, and Hossa, Frolik and Kane were also in the league's top 20.

5. He makes the players around him better.

During the 2010 Olympics, Mike Babcock (head coach of the Canadian Olympic Team) was asked "who are your best players right now?" His reply: "whoever I put out with Jonathan Toews".

That's been the case with unheralded 20-year old rookie Brandon Saad, who's played on a line with Toews most of the season. Saad finished +17, and Hossa +20, but Toews (their linemate most of the time) was +28.

5. Night in, night out shift-in, shift-out 100% effort.

As you note, he's 5th in the league in goals. But he led the league (tied) in Even Strength Goals.

Only 7 times during the 47 games he played this season was Toews a "minus". In NONE of them was he worse than -1.

I can't find a statistic for penalties drawn, but it would not surprise me if he's in the top 20in that category too. Lots of nights you'll see him draw a hook or a trip because of sheer effort.

6. He elevates during the big games and at crunch time.

At 50% career in shootouts, he's about 15% over the league average of around 35%.

During 23 games against playoff-bound opponents, he was +17 (a minus only 3 games).

7. Leadership financially.

At $6 million per year, Toews costs the Blackhawks less than other teams' leaders (see: Minnesota, where 4 players make more than Toews this year). This gives the Blackhawks cap space to keep strong depth in the lineup, including perhaps the league's best 6-man defensive corps.

8. How good are the Blackhawks without Toews?

Thankfully, he's been healthy all season. But last year and previously, when he's out of the lineup the Hawks struggle to get to .500. (They were .000 this year ... 0 for 1. haha) By contrast, say, Pittsburgh thrived without Crosby in their lineup. This is the manifestation of "Toews makes the guys around him more effective" argument.

The Bottom Line

I hope voters for the Hart consider more than just offensive play. (That's the Richard Trophy and Ovechkin deserves it 100%.)

The top contenders this year appear to be top-line centers. But comparing what a topcenter is supposed to contribute to his team - which includes defensive responsibilities, leadership, and making the guys around him better - I maintain the Hart should go to Toews.

Stamkos scores more, but doesn't kill penalties (averaging just 9 seconds a game shorthanded) and finishing the season -4.

Crosby would be the toughest competition, and I can't argue too hard with those who vote for Crosby. BUT I would ask them to consider that Crosby's offensive production is greater mostly because that's HIS role as an offensive specialist and not as much an all-around two-way player. Time on ice shows this: SH: Crosby 0:41 per game and Toews 1:25, while PP time is Crosby 4:30, Toews 2:40. All that extra time should result in a greater points differential for Crosby, but it doesn't. Last, I'd note that Crosby has already been recognized for the award, whereas Toews hasn't.

I'll stop now.

[yzerman19]

Thanks for pointing that out .... I think this almost rises to the level of a thread of its own, but since we're here, let's keep going.

1. As Captain, his role is to get his team ready to play the game. Nobody was more ready to start the season than the Blackhawks.

Think about it. In the uncertain period, 30 teams and 700-odd players were working out (some playing elsewhere, Europe, AHL, etc). Of those doing plain basic conditioning, who would be taking this "serious"? Yes, of course - Captain Serious.

When the puck finally dropped on January 19th, the Blackhawks started by getting a point in their first 24 games. - which is the proof that the Blackhawks were more serious during the uncertain period than anyone else.

2. An NHL-record start to the season: 21-0-3.

In the era of the salary cap, and in an era where one bounce decides games more often than say 1979, this is tribute to the day-in day-out consistency. That starts in the locker room, and that starts with the Captain.

3. Puck possession, and winning faceoffs is key.

Especially on special teams, where faceoffs drive possession and possession drives opportunities. Toews PP faceoff percentage was over 72% (93 of 129). And on shorthanded situations, Toews was 65% (35 of 54).

4. Puck pursuit, which is key to the Blackhawks game.

Leaders set the example, and Toews led the league with 56 takeaways. (Datysuk also had 56.) Relentless pursuit of the puck drives opportunities in Chicago's system, and Hossa, Frolik and Kane were also in the league's top 20.

5. He makes the players around him better.

During the 2010 Olympics, Mike Babcock (head coach of the Canadian Olympic Team) was asked "who are your best players right now?" His reply: "whoever I put out with Jonathan Toews".

That's been the case with unheralded 20-year old rookie Brandon Saad, who's played on a line with Toews most of the season. Saad finished +17, and Hossa +20, but Toews (their linemate most of the time) was +28.

5. Night in, night out shift-in, shift-out 100% effort.

As you note, he's 5th in the league in goals. But he led the league (tied) in Even Strength Goals.

Only 7 times during the 47 games he played this season was Toews a "minus". In NONE of them was he worse than -1.

I can't find a statistic for penalties drawn, but it would not surprise me if he's in the top 20in that category too. Lots of nights you'll see him draw a hook or a trip because of sheer effort.

6. He elevates during the big games and at crunch time.

At 50% career in shootouts, he's about 15% over the league average of around 35%.

During 23 games against playoff-bound opponents, he was +17 (a minus only 3 games).

7. Leadership financially.

At $6 million per year, Toews costs the Blackhawks less than other teams' leaders (see: Minnesota, where 4 players make more than Toews this year). This gives the Blackhawks cap space to keep strong depth in the lineup, including perhaps the league's best 6-man defensive corps.

8. How good are the Blackhawks without Toews?

Thankfully, he's been healthy all season. But last year and previously, when he's out of the lineup the Hawks struggle to get to .500. (They were .000 this year ... 0 for 1. haha) By contrast, say, Pittsburgh thrived without Crosby in their lineup. This is the manifestation of "Toews makes the guys around him more effective" argument.

The Bottom Line

I hope voters for the Hart consider more than just offensive play. (That's the Richard Trophy and Ovechkin deserves it 100%.)

The top contenders this year appear to be top-line centers. But comparing what a topcenter is supposed to contribute to his team - which includes defensive responsibilities, leadership, and making the guys around him better - I maintain the Hart should go to Toews.

Stamkos scores more, but doesn't kill penalties (averaging just 9 seconds a game shorthanded) and finishing the season -4.

Crosby would be the toughest competition, and I can't argue too hard with those who vote for Crosby. BUT I would ask them to consider that Crosby's offensive production is greater mostly because that's HIS role as an offensive specialist and not as much an all-around two-way player. Time on ice shows this: SH: Crosby 0:41 per game and Toews 1:25, while PP time is Crosby 4:30, Toews 2:40. All that extra time should result in a greater points differential for Crosby, but it doesn't. Last, I'd note that Crosby has already been recognized for the award, whereas Toews hasn't.

I'll stop now.

Obviously I started this conversation, and I like your additions. However to say that Crosby doesn't have a points differential is unfair. Sid gets points. His points per game are the best in the league.

It is hard to argue that he wasn't the game's best playmaker when healthy.

The issue is that he wasn't healthy. The Hart award isn't for the most skilled offensive player. It is for the most valuable player. Toewser played the games and his team won. He is near the top in every stat that matters- including wins, and his TEAM is the #1 seed because of it.

Crosby, Stamkos, Ovechkin, even Kane...these guys are all more gifted offensive players. However, Toews is the best leader and most complete two-way center in the game. He demonstrates it night in and night out. You said it well, he makes everyone around him, and his team better. What else defines MVP?

If I were a GM and could take any player in the league to start my franchise, it would be Toewser.

[farce poobah]

Obviously I started this conversation, and I like your additions. However to say that Crosby doesn't have a points differential is unfair. Sid gets points. His points per game are the best in the league.

It is hard to argue that he wasn't the game's best playmaker when healthy.

The issue is that he wasn't healthy. The Hart award isn't for the most skilled offensive player. It is for the most valuable player. Toewser played the games and his team won. He is near the top in every stat that matters- including wins, and his TEAM is the #1 seed because of it.

Crosby, Stamkos, Ovechkin, even Kane...these guys are all more gifted offensive players. However, Toews is the best leader and most complete two-way center in the game. He demonstrates it night in and night out. You said it well, he makes everyone around him, and his team better. What else defines MVP?

If I were a GM and could take any player in the league to start my franchise, it would be Toewser.

My point on Crosby, poorly worded, was that the extra offense he provides is more than offset by all the other factors Toews brings.

If I were a GM, and had my pick of the forwards, I'd pick Toews as well. (And if you had already drafted him, I'd be hard pressed to decide between Datysuk and Crosby.)

[keikla]

Danny with 2 assists at the World's this morning.

[Fetch]

Toews is so focused & serious he may be better if he loosened up some

[yzerman19]

Toews is so focused & serious he may be better if he loosened up some

If it ain't broke, don't fix it...

For a recently turned 25 year old, he's already got quite the trophy case...with a strong possibility of adding a Hart Trophy and another Cup ring...

While he doesn't have any points thus far in the series, he is winning 2/3 of his faceoffs and has drawn 3 penalties- including a big one to make it 4x4 in OT in game 1. He's also playing even hockey often being sent out head to head against Koivu and Parise. Hawks game plan is clearly win on depth. If the top line can play even or plus hockey against the WIld top line, Hawks will win on depth.

[scpa0305]

My point on Crosby, poorly worded, was that the extra offense he provides is more than offset by all the other factors Toews brings.

If I were a GM, and had my pick of the forwards, I'd pick Toews as well. (And if you had already drafted him, I'd be hard pressed to decide between Datysuk and Crosby.)

Toews and Crosby are my two favorite players in the league, however, I am shocked both of you two chose Toews over Crosby. Crosby is by far the best player in the league. Him and Toews are quite similar in that they both play D very well, are great captains and win a ton of faceoffs. However, Crosby's offense is much better than Toews (which is nuts because Toews is so good). Toews is my favorite player, for obvious reasons, but Crosby would be my first choice if we were starting a team...Toews wouldn't be all that far behind him though.

[scpa0305]

Danny with 2 assists at the World's this morning.

That's great....looks like there are a decent amount of college players on that squad.

[scpa0305]

Thanks for pointing that out .... I think this almost rises to the level of a thread of its own, but since we're here, let's keep going.

1. As Captain, his role is to get his team ready to play the game. Nobody was more ready to start the season than the Blackhawks.

Think about it. In the uncertain period, 30 teams and 700-odd players were working out (some playing elsewhere, Europe, AHL, etc). Of those doing plain basic conditioning, who would be taking this "serious"? Yes, of course - Captain Serious.

When the puck finally dropped on January 19th, the Blackhawks started by getting a point in their first 24 games. - which is the proof that the Blackhawks were more serious during the uncertain period than anyone else.

2. An NHL-record start to the season: 21-0-3.

In the era of the salary cap, and in an era where one bounce decides games more often than say 1979, this is tribute to the day-in day-out consistency. That starts in the locker room, and that starts with the Captain.

3. Puck possession, and winning faceoffs is key.

Especially on special teams, where faceoffs drive possession and possession drives opportunities. Toews PP faceoff percentage was over 72% (93 of 129). And on shorthanded situations, Toews was 65% (35 of 54).

4. Puck pursuit, which is key to the Blackhawks game.

Leaders set the example, and Toews led the league with 56 takeaways. (Datysuk also had 56.) Relentless pursuit of the puck drives opportunities in Chicago's system, and Hossa, Frolik and Kane were also in the league's top 20.

5. He makes the players around him better.

During the 2010 Olympics, Mike Babcock (head coach of the Canadian Olympic Team) was asked "who are your best players right now?" His reply: "whoever I put out with Jonathan Toews".

That's been the case with unheralded 20-year old rookie Brandon Saad, who's played on a line with Toews most of the season. Saad finished +17, and Hossa +20, but Toews (their linemate most of the time) was +28.

5. Night in, night out shift-in, shift-out 100% effort.

As you note, he's 5th in the league in goals. But he led the league (tied) in Even Strength Goals.

Only 7 times during the 47 games he played this season was Toews a "minus". In NONE of them was he worse than -1.

I can't find a statistic for penalties drawn, but it would not surprise me if he's in the top 20in that category too. Lots of nights you'll see him draw a hook or a trip because of sheer effort.

6. He elevates during the big games and at crunch time.

At 50% career in shootouts, he's about 15% over the league average of around 35%.

During 23 games against playoff-bound opponents, he was +17 (a minus only 3 games).

7. Leadership financially.

At $6 million per year, Toews costs the Blackhawks less than other teams' leaders (see: Minnesota, where 4 players make more than Toews this year). This gives the Blackhawks cap space to keep strong depth in the lineup, including perhaps the league's best 6-man defensive corps.

8. How good are the Blackhawks without Toews?

Thankfully, he's been healthy all season. But last year and previously, when he's out of the lineup the Hawks struggle to get to .500. (They were .000 this year ... 0 for 1. haha) By contrast, say, Pittsburgh thrived without Crosby in their lineup. This is the manifestation of "Toews makes the guys around him more effective" argument.

The Bottom Line

I hope voters for the Hart consider more than just offensive play. (That's the Richard Trophy and Ovechkin deserves it 100%.)

The top contenders this year appear to be top-line centers. But comparing what a topcenter is supposed to contribute to his team - which includes defensive responsibilities, leadership, and making the guys around him better - I maintain the Hart should go to Toews.

Stamkos scores more, but doesn't kill penalties (averaging just 9 seconds a game shorthanded) and finishing the season -4.

Crosby would be the toughest competition, and I can't argue too hard with those who vote for Crosby. BUT I would ask them to consider that Crosby's offensive production is greater mostly because that's HIS role as an offensive specialist and not as much an all-around two-way player. Time on ice shows this: SH: Crosby 0:41 per game and Toews 1:25, while PP time is Crosby 4:30, Toews 2:40. All that extra time should result in a greater points differential for Crosby, but it doesn't. Last, I'd note that Crosby has already been recognized for the award, whereas Toews hasn't.

I'll stop now.

Actually Crosby's line is the shut down line. His line play's against the other team's best line every night. That is what is so crazy about Crosby's numbers (more specifically +/-). Crosby is obviously known for his offensive production and for being a great 2-way center....as is Toews. I'm not saying Toews shouldn't win the Hart, I was simply trying to note that Crosby is a "do-it-all" type of player as well. If Crosby wouldn't have missed the last month of the season there would be no question that he should win the Hart.

[scpa0305]

Anyone know who Kristo is playing with in the Worlds? Bjugstad I'm guessing.....that's kind of funny.

[JermDubs]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qb7QWcvg9l0 Highlights from the usa game, pretty sure kristo is in there a couple times

[UND99]

Anyone know who Kristo is playing with in the Worlds? Bjugstad I'm guessing.....that's kind of funny.

He was on a line with Bjugstad and Palushaj. Their line played pretty well.

[keikla]

Thanks for posting that video. Funny to hear Kristo pronounced "Cree-stow"

Good comeback win for the US after going down 2-0 in the first 6 minutes.

[scpa0305]

Frattin sure looks good so far tonight....unfortunate Carlyle sat him for so long. He needs to stay top 6 and play with creative players, his shot is lethal.

[AZSIOUX]

Osh with 2 already tonight..gets those hats ready to throw in the city of angels!

[petey23]

Osh with 2 already tonight..gets those hats ready to throw in the city of angels!

Unfortunately, Oshie and his linemates Perron and Berglund have been out for all 4 Kings goals tonight.

[AZSIOUX]

Unfortunately, Oshie and his linemates Perron and Berglund have been out for all 4 Kings goals tonight.

Noticed that. Hell of a series! 7 games

[GreenWing]

Nothing in the NHL screams Sioux hockey more than Porter's forecheck. The man is a beauty