Loading...
Loading...

Wednesday's episode begins with a recap of the Chicago Blackhawks' 4-3 win over the New York Islanders, as Anton Frondell records a primary assist in his NHL debut. Host Jack Bushman breaks down Frondell's performance with Connor Bedard, Nick Lardis' 3-point game, Arvid Soderblom's sensational effort in the third period, and the latest news on Sacha Boisvert's NHL debut. Bushman breaks down what the Blackhawks' lineup will look like when Boisvert steps in for the first time later this week. The episode concludes with an update on Roman Kantserov, who officially made history in the KHL this season. All that and more on Locked On Blackhawks. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.
Recap vs. Islanders (1:15)
Boisvert News (21:40)
Kantserov Update (34:40)
Locked On Blackhawks Instagram @lockedonblackhawks
Personal X account @JackBushman2
Locked On Blackhawks EveryDayer Club
Catch all the latest Blackhawks news, deep analysis, injury updates, and insider perspectives from Locked On Blackhawks as the Chicago Blackhawks wind through a pivotal season for their rebuild.
Support Our Show By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.
You’re no longer just a spectator. Play by play. You decide. Trade Every Play with Robinhood. Now available across the U.S. Download the Robinhood app now to begin. Futures and cleared swaps trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Event contracts are offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC., a registered futures commission merchant and swap firm.
Make this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away.
Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnhl.
Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/lockedon right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply.
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. During the tournament FanDuel is offering $300 back in Bonus Bets every day for ten days. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
It's the Lockdown Podcast Network, your team every day.
Hey, girl, what's happening?
Is that your anti-perspirant?
Yeah.
Let me see that can.
Illuminum butane, it's too, I cannot pronounce that.
You have to switch to native deodorant.
Native simple formula has only clean ingredients.
It gives you effective 72 hour odor protection
with no hydrocarbon propellant.
Wow, this smells heavenly.
Clean effective 72 hour odor protection isn't a myth.
It's native.
The sun is out, the birds are chirping,
and the open road is calling.
Bring on the spring at the Honda Spring Event
and take that road trip you've been dreaming of.
Now's the time to check out the Honda Civic and HRV
from Honda, the 2025 Kelly Blue Books KVB.com Best Value Brand.
Based on 2025 Consumer Choice Awards from Kelly Blue Book,
visit KVB.com for more information.
Anton Frontel records his first NHL point
as the Black Hawks hold onto defeat the islanders.
You're locked on Black Hawks.
You're daily podcast on the Chicago Black Hawks.
Part of the locked on podcast network.
Your team every day.
What's going on, everyone?
Welcome on in to Lockdown Black Hawks.
I'm your host, Jack Bushman.
On today's episode, Roman Cancer Up officially made KHL history
and now the postseason is underway.
Also getting to the latest updates on Sasha Blavare.
And when we could see his first look with the Black Hawks,
but first all the takeaways from a 4-3 win over the islanders
and Anton Frontel's NHL debut.
But first, just a quick reminder,
if you're watching on YouTube right now,
do me a favor and hit that like button.
Make sure you're subscribed to the channel.
It's all 100% free.
Will not cost you anything and helps me out in a big way
and reaching my goal of 3,000 subscribers.
And also make sure that you're following Lockdown Black Hawks
on Instagram as I've been pumping out a lot of content over there.
And the content was absolutely crazy last night
with Frontel's NHL debut.
So again, make sure to go and check out Lockdown Black Hawks
over on Instagram.
But enough of that happy Wednesday, everyone.
Hope you all had as much fun as I did watching last night's game,
although the third period definitely wasn't as fun
and things got way too dicey there down the stretch.
But ultimately, thanks to Arvid Soder Blue,
who I'll get to here in just a moment, the Black Hawks,
hang on to take down the islanders,
4-3 and kick off their four-game East Coast road trip
with a bang.
And of course, getting right into it, Black Hawks fans yesterday,
indeed was the first look at 2025 number three overall pick
and Tom Frontel with the Black Hawks,
the beginning of the Bedard and Frontel era here in Chicago.
Frontel makes his NHL debut at UBS Arena
in front of his parents and also his sister super cool
that they were able to be in attendance for this one.
And all of the Frontel content that was getting pumped out
yesterday had me so absolutely fired up.
Seeing him go, no bucket, just like all the young Black Hawks,
youngsters do for his rookie lap.
Seeing the pictures of he and Bedard standing next to each other
during the national anthem, them shooting the ish
in the locker room following the morning skate,
all of the pictures that were posted of Frontel,
all the videos, all the clips that were out there.
And again, I posted a lot of them over on Lockdown Black Hawks
Instagram page, had me so jazzed up,
but it also had me really fired up yesterday
with Frontel's positioning in the lineup
and who he skated with as.
He was indeed on the top line,
along with Conor Bedard playing the right wing,
but it was an Andre Berkowski,
who is the third member of that line.
It was Ryan Green, which was such a pleasant surprise.
I know for many of us Black Hawks fans,
after it sure seemed like it was going to be Frontel Bedard
in Berkowski as the top line for Frontel's NHL debut,
especially with the way that Blasho mentioned
after some days game that he wants to be giving Ryan Green
some more looks down the middle here
to conclude the regular season.
Sure seemed to be an indicator that Green was going to be
the one to boat it off of the top line
and Frontel taking his spot,
but it winds up being Berkowski,
who gets moved down to the third line
and by the way, Berkowski nearly had another goose eggs
across the board night as I posted on X,
no shots on goal, no hits, no points,
no penalty minutes, no blocks,
the only category that he did fill
in just over 13 minutes of ice time
was having one singular shot attempt.
But considering the position of the Black Hawks
or in at this point of the season line,
the playoffs are out of the picture,
it's all about the young players,
it only makes sense to keep Ryan Green in that spot,
even if as I've said, I don't really think Ryan Green
is going to be a top line or long term
or maybe even a second liner,
I still envision him being either a third line,
maybe fourth line center or wing for the Black Hawks
in the long term, but there's no reason
that Andre Berkowski should be remaining
on that line over Ryan Green.
So was very happy to see that be the Black Hawks top line
that was shrouded out there together.
And of course, also got the start in last night's game
and super cool as well to see Conor Bedard
go and give Frandel a little tap on the leg
and say, get in there, bud,
you're taking this opening face off,
which unfortunately Frandel did lose to Bohor Vat.
But the combined age of the Black Hawks top line
last night in New York was 60 years old,
Anton Frandel being 18, Conor Bedard being 20
and Ryan Green, the oldest of the bunch still only 22 years old.
For Frandel didn't take him long to make his impact
on this game as in the first period recorded,
NHL career point number one,
the first of what's sure to be many for him.
And it was off of a very crisp pass in transition,
great play recognition overall by Frandel, recognizing that.
I believe it was Scott Mayfield for the Islanders
who just wasn't really in good position
as the Black Hawks had a three on two rush,
going the other direction recognizes that Mayfield
didn't have great gap control.
There was a lot of room down the left flank for Ilya McKayev
who's an excellent skater, right?
Do not want to be giving him that much time in space.
Frandel recognizes that opportunity
and then the execution was also perfect as well.
Throwing a crisp pass to find McKayev
and stride that allows him to get that breakaway.
He puts it home five hole to give the Black Hawks a two to one lead.
And Frandel with the primary assist
is officially off and running, but altogether,
I thought there were sometimes when unsurprisingly Frandel,
it seemed like he was just trying to keep up with his linemates,
but I don't think that's really all that surprising
considering the quick turnaround that he's had
from Sweden going to New York.
Obviously just played a full SHL campaign,
42, 43 of their 52 games and also had three postseason appearances
as well, also played for Team Sweden at the World Juniors
and doesn't really have any practice experience
aside from the morning skate earlier that day
to kind of establish some chemistry
or truly understand how his linemates
like to operate out there on the ice.
But I thought the skill was pretty obvious at times
from Frandel last night,
not only on that primary assist on Ilya McKayev's goal,
but made a couple of sharp defensive plays too.
The most notable one was probably him stripping
Matthew Schaefer at the Blackwax Blue Line in the third period
and then not only that, but going in,
following up on the other end,
let go of a strong wrist shot that unfortunately
just sailed high of the target.
But my big takeaways from Frandel last night, the shot,
he had two shots on that,
and that wrist or that he fired high
after that great defensive play on Matthew Schaefer.
The puck absolutely jumps off his stick
and that's something I talked about
when going through the expectations for Frandel
on yesterday's episode, that shot
is definitely going to be his best offensive attribute.
Didn't really get to see the one timer
on the man advantage yesterday
as the Blackwax power play wasn't all that great,
but there's clear power behind the shot
of Anton Frandel and I thought it was funny.
Jay Zewoski of CHGO posted that opposing goal tenders
are reacting to Frandel shot
in a similar way to Conor Bedard.
I don't know if they're necessarily the same type of shooters,
but it's clear that Frandel has really strong power.
I don't think he's got the curl and drag maneuver
that Bedard has, but just a lot of power
and a lot of speed coming on that shot.
That was very evident last night.
And then I liked his two-way game for the most part.
So all together, I was pretty happy with Anton Frandel's NHL debut
recording of primary assist getting on the stat sheet.
In total, he wound up recording,
as I mentioned, two shots on goal, five shot attempts,
which was tied for third most on the team,
also chipped in with two Black shots
and had one individual scoring chance in one hit
in 15 minutes and 45 seconds of ice time.
I was really happy with what I saw for Anton Frandel.
Wasn't like a jaw-dropping debut,
but quite honestly, I didn't really expect that
to be the case, again, with a quick turnaround
in the lack of practice time that he's had here
with his new team.
But go and let me know down below
in the comment section, Black Hawk's fans,
how pumped up you are that Anton Frandel is now
finally on the NHL scene.
I guess I shouldn't say finally.
They just drafted him this year,
but with what he's been doing in the SHL,
I know a lot of us have been excited
for some time now and to finally see him
downing the Black Hawk sweater is just so great.
But let me know also what you thought
overall of Frandel's NHL debut last night in Long Island.
But stealing the show a little bit in Frandel's NHL debut
was none other than Nikki Lardis.
Surprise, surprise when you actually put Nick Lardis
with competent offensive-minded players in a top six role.
What do you know?
He winds up producing and it is so maddening
that it took this long to get Lardis that opportunity
to win in his first two games as a full-time top six member
skating on the second line with Tyler Bertuzzi
and Frankie Nazar.
Jeff Glashel on Sunday following the game
said he thought it was Lardis' best as in NHL
or while I think he even outdid that performance
with how strong he was last night in New York.
Quite honestly, I thought he was the best skater
on the ice for the Black Hawk's,
scored a goal for the second consecutive game.
And to me, I loved this goal from Nick Lardis
because he was the one who flipped the puck up high
to spring Nazar in Bertuzzi for that two-on-0 rush.
Now, the fact that Nazar and Bertuzzi didn't even hit the net
on that two-on-0 rush is a little bit concerning there
and definitely not ideal, but I love that Nick Lardis
at the time go back and watch the replay.
Unfortunately, I just can't pull it up here on YouTube.
But after Nick Lardis flips that puck up high
to spring Nazar and Bertuzzi for that rush,
he doesn't quit on the play.
But he is, I believe, either the fifth or the sixth skater
back, there's the two Black Hawk's words ahead of everyone.
And then there is at least two Islanders defenders
right behind them.
Nick Lardis is trailing them on the play,
but he never quit on the play.
And this is what I think good goal scorers do.
Maybe this isn't the best example,
but Lardis in the OHL with Brandford,
one of his biggest strengths was finding little pockets
of space, finding the open ice and going there.
And that's exactly what he did on this goal.
He never quit on the play.
He hustled the get back into it as the Islanders
were kind of puck watching a little bit there.
Nazar ends up regaining possession off of his mishat.
And then Nick Lardis is in the perfect position
right out in the slot.
Nazar feeds him and he puts home the goal
for his seventh tally of the season.
And as I said, second in his many games.
And that probably definitely wasn't Lardis's best play
of the night.
His best was on Frank Nazar's one time
or that extended the Black Hawk's lead
to four to one picking up his third point of the night.
Came off of what probably should have been
an icing call from the officials.
They decided to blow it off for whatever reason.
But again, Nick Lardis didn't quit on the play.
And he showed off his skating ability,
which I really do think has been evident
in these last two games.
He was skating really well on Sunday in Nashville.
I thought his speed both offensively
and defensively was very evident last night again.
And it definitely was on this play.
As he got in on the forecheck,
forced the Islanders into making a turnover
and then again, looks up, recognizes the play developing
in front of him, feeds Nazar for the one time
or in the slot, winds up picking up his third point
of the game.
Also had the second area assist on Tyler Bertuzzi's goal
in the first period, first three point game for Nicky Lardis.
And I don't think it's a surprise.
It comes shortly after him getting the promotion
that we all feel like he's been deserving.
And almost in like a similar mentality
of why Ryan Green should be up on the top line
with Bedard and Frondelle as opposed to Andrej Burakowski.
At this point in the season, the priority should be the young player.
So it didn't really make any sense whatsoever
to keep Nick Lardis down on the fourth line
with Landon Slager, Dom Nickton and Otto.
And Sam Lafferty for as long as he did
when we all know what Nick Lardis is capable of.
Nick Lardis is capable of being a top sixth player.
I thought, again, he was the best skater on the ice
for the Black Hawks yesterday.
And with the way that he can skate,
I think that's a huge addition to that second line
along with Frankie Nazar.
Table Teravine and has some decent wheels.
But Nick Lardis is the better skater.
And Tyler Bertuzzi just isn't really known
for his puck play in transition or for his wheels.
So Lardis being an offensive minded guy
who can also skate.
And I like that we're seeing him use his skating ability
to force turnovers, get in on the forecheck
and make plays on the defensive side of things.
But it also keeps him up to speed
with Frankie Nazar in transition.
So all together, I loved what we got from Nick Lardis
and the second line last night, all three forwards
finished with a plus two rating,
all three with a multi-point effort,
Bertuzzi with a goal in assist,
Nazar with a goal in assist.
But Lardis, I thought was the best one out of the three
scoring for the second consecutive game
and adding two assists as well.
However, I don't think Lardis was the number one star
of the game for the Black Hawks last night
because Arvid Frick and Sauderd Bloom folks
without his incredible effort,
especially in the third period,
when the Islanders were absolutely surging.
Black Hawks were ahead four to one through 40 minutes,
then the Islanders went and outshot them 23 to five
in that final frame.
Without Sauderd Bloom standing on his head,
the Black Hawks do not get across the line with the win,
ended up stopping 44 of this 47 shots that he faced
and was credited with 2.60 goal saved above expected.
And I do feel like the amount of rubber
that Sauderd Bloom saw in his last outing on Friday
against the Colorado Ablands kind of prepared him
for the onslaught that he saw in that third period
because on Friday against the Aves,
the Black Hawks were pretty putrid in front of him,
although the Aves are an absolute wagon,
and they do that to a lot of teams.
But he faced 49 shots in that game
and wound up stopping 45 of them,
sadly the Black Hawks offense just couldn't do enough
to get them in that game
and give Sauderd Bloom a chance to come away with a win.
But that I think got him ready for all the rubber
that he faced down the stretch in this game,
ended up stopping 21 of the 23 shots that he faced.
Calum Richey and Simone Holmesram did get the puck by him,
but I mean, there were four or five saves
that Sauderd Bloom made in that period
that were absolutely outstanding.
A couple sprawling saves like it was ridiculous
what he did and overall in his last two appearances.
He's now stopped 89 of the 97 shots,
89 of the 96 shots that he's faced, excuse me,
which gives him a,
and also has a 3.75 goal saved above expected margin
in those two games combined.
And in three of his last five stars,
Sauderd Bloom now has a 918 save percentage or better,
which I think is definitely significant considering
the way that I and a lot of Black Hawks fans
have been talking about him with Drew Kameshso looking pretty good
in a couple of opportunities here in the second half.
It's been an up and down season for Sauderd Bloom once again,
with the Black Hawks,
could that lead to him possibly being on the move here
this off season or during next training camp?
Well, he really needed,
really needs to finish strong in order to kind of, I think,
get back in the Black Hawks organization's good graces.
Definitely has helped his cause in doing so
with a shut out into other real standout performances here
in his last five games.
Before I move on to segment two though,
I know I'm running a little long here in segment one,
but I absolutely have to just take a moment to talk
about Matthew Schaefer Black Hawks fans.
I was jumping for joy with Anton Frandell's NHL debut last night.
I thought he looked really good.
Nick Lardis was absolutely excellent.
Frankie Nazar had himself a two point game.
There was a lot to be stoked about as a Black Hawks fan,
but maybe the thing that rattled my mind the most last night
was just how damn good Matthew Schaefer was.
The kid is unbelievable.
For being 18 years old,
the second defenseman in NHL history to record
50 points as an 18 year old,
the youngest player in NHL history to ever do it.
Last night in a 60 minute game,
this game did not go to overtime.
Matthew Schaefer played 31 minutes and 58 seconds,
almost played 32 of the 60 minutes in the game.
Unbelievable.
And when he was out there,
the Islanders were dominant.
He finished with 17 shot attempts,
eight shots on goal in nine individual scoring chances
and in all situations.
When on the ice, the Islanders led 59 to 21 in shot attempts,
30 to 12 in shots on goal, 36 to nine in scoring chances,
15 to five in high danger of chances
and two nothing in goals for.
I texted one of my buddies after last night's game
and I said, that might have been the best performance
from a defenseman under 21 years of age
that I've ever seen in this kid turned 18.
What, not even six months ago.
I don't have words to describe how good Matthew Schaefer already is
and how high the ceiling can be for this kid in five, six, seven years
down the road.
I feel like he's already one of the best defensemen in the league
at his age as a rookie.
They call their trophy, it is an absolute runaway.
Matthew Schaefer, I still am like trying to comprehend what I saw
last night and it didn't really look like he was tired.
He just glides around the ice so effortlessly
and the thing that stood out to me the most
was how involved Matthew Schaefer was.
Obviously when you're playing 32 of 60 minutes,
you're gonna see a lot of the guy,
but he was making plays in all three zones
and offensively it felt like he was rife
when the puck on that so often.
He just finds open space out there on the ice
like good players do, like Nikki Lardis does,
obviously in a different way, though, as a forward.
But my mind was just blown.
Watching Matthew Schaefer last night,
I thought he was darn good at the United Center earlier
the season when I got my first look at him.
He was definitely better last night,
unbelievable how special the talent Matthew Schaefer is.
Kind of a shame that the aisles are in the Eastern conference
and we only get to see Connor Bedard and Matthew Schaefer go,
had to had two times a year.
Connor Bedard did get the better of Matthew Schaefer on a rush,
though, I will say kind of dazzled around him
and got a shot off in tight,
but sadly, airmailed the backhand or up high,
but Schaefer and Bedard battles, man,
I wish we would get more of those
and I wish we would get more opportunities to see this kid
because he is a special, special talent.
What he's doing as an 18 year old,
that's not going to turn 19 until the start of the 26-27 campaign.
It is truly melting my mind right here right now,
but do love that the Black Hawks,
despite Schaefer's dominance last night,
I just went through the stats,
still find a way mostly thanks to Arvid Souter Bloom
and also thanks to the way Nick Lardis, Anton Frandell
and the Black Hawks top six played in those opening 40 minutes,
but that takes care of my thoughts on the Black Hawks,
coming away with a four to three win
in Anton Frandell's debut,
give me all your thoughts down below in the comment section
on Frandell's first look on Nick Lardis,
surprise, surprise, producing,
now that he's in a top six role
and also your overall takeaways on the win last night
in Long Island.
But coming up in just a moment,
make sure to stick with me for segment two is all discussed
when we could see another NHL debut
in fellow former first round pick, Sasha Boivere.
But first gotta talk to you all about the first of today's sponsors
here on Lockdown Black Hawks, which is Quo.
Spring is a natural reset point.
If there's one thing that can quietly cost businesses money,
it's messy communication.
Miss calls, scattered texts,
and no clear threat of who said what,
but that's why today's episode is brought to you by Quo.
Spelled Q-U-O,
the smarter way to run your business communications.
Quo is the number one rated business phone system on G2
with over 3,000 reviews trusted by more than 90,000 businesses.
It lets your entire team share one business number.
So you never miss a call, a text, or an opportunity.
In the part that I love most,
everything lives in one clean thread.
Calls, texts, and voicemails.
The whole team sees the conversation
so nothing falls through the cracks.
It just makes your business feel more organized and responsive.
So make this the season where no opportunity
and no customer slips away.
Go and try Quo for free
and you'll also get 20% off on your first six months
over at Quo.com slash Lockdown NHL.
Again, that's Q-U-O.com slash Lockdown NHL in all caps.
Quo, no miss calls and no miss customers.
Gotta talk quickly about another one of today's sponsors,
which is Robinhood.
What if sports were traded like markets?
Well, now you can put your sports IQ
to test in real time with Robinhood prediction markets.
It's not you against the house.
It's you participating in a live market
so that you can buy yourself positions live all game long.
Use your sports knowledge in the moments that matter.
Robinhood prediction markets changes the game.
It's people moving the action.
So when momentum shifts, you can move with it.
I always knew the game,
but never had a dynamic way to apply that knowledge.
Now I can actually take part live in a market powered by people.
You're no longer just a spectator play by play.
You decide trade every play with Robinhood
now available across the US.
Download the Robinhood app now in order to begin.
Futures and clear swaps trading involve significant risk
and is not appropriate for everyone.
Event contracts are offered by Robinhood derivatives LLC,
a registered futures commission merchant and swap firm.
Before I get into segment two,
just a reminder to go and check out the Lockdown Blackhawks
every day or club to get ad free audio,
access to our group chat on Discord and much more.
And you can easily find the link down in the description
on today's episode where I also timecode everything down
in the description as well in order to join the Lockdown Blackhawks
every day or club today.
Segment two here on today's episode finally
after eight long days,
Sasha Waver was granted his work visa on Tuesday morning,
meaning he was allowed to participate
in the Blackhawks morning skate at UBS Arena
along with Anton Frandell.
And of course, this was the first time we've seen Waver
on the ice with his new teammates as prior to him
receiving this visa, he was not allowed to take part
in any team activities whatsoever.
But finally got out there on the ice,
got our first look at Waver,
downing the number 12 sweater Anton Frandell,
rockin' number 15,
forgot to mention that in segment one,
even though I think I brought it up yesterday.
But ultimately we did not see Waver
make his NHL debut alongside Frandell against the Islanders
instead, Waver will be getting his first look
sometime later on here during the Blackhawks road trip,
either Thursday, tomorrow against the Philadelphia Flyers,
Friday at Madison Square Garden,
which would be a pretty darn cool one against the Rangers
or on Sunday when the road trip wraps up
against the New Jersey Devils.
But actually what I've heard this morning Blackhawks fans,
nothing confirmed as of right now,
but I believe the plan is for Waver to make his NHL debut
tomorrow in Philadelphia.
So in back-to-back games for the Blackhawks,
we can see former first round picks
make their first look in the big leagues,
which has me very excited.
But unlike Frandell, though, I do want to say,
and I have mentioned this on a couple of episodes in the past,
but I know with the intrigue around the Blackhawks right now
with Frandell and Waver's debut coming up,
then I'm sure I'm having a lot of new listeners
or a lot of new viewers.
I'm not expecting Waver to kind of get thrown into the fire.
I'm not expecting Waver to get thrown into the fire
like we saw Anton Frandell last night.
The Blackhawks are apparently very comfortable
with putting Frandell in that top-line role immediately
because he has two years of pro hockey experience
over in Sweden under his belt
and has really thrived at that level for two years in a row now.
While Waver doesn't have any pro experience
under his belt, he's coming from the collegiate level
and also is coming off of a pretty sour sophomore campaign
with Boston University.
And I think the projections for these two players
in terms of the 26-27 campaign
because Frandell does have all that pro experience.
He's going to be on the Blackhawks NHL roster
to open up next season.
I don't think that's going to be the case for Sasha Waver
although things can't definitely change.
I didn't think Ryan Green was going to be part
of the opening in I roster this year
and he hasn't played a single game at the AHL level
and might never play a single game at the AHL level
because of how well he's performed here.
That is, in the cards for Waver,
we don't know what type of player he's going to look like
down the stretch here in the NHL.
We don't know how he's going to fair in training camp
but odds are just kind of with the patient approach
that Davidson has had,
especially with prospects coming from the NCAA
or Junior Hockey up in Canada.
Usually likes to give those guys time
to develop down in the AHL first
and if they're thriving at that level
and they come up to the NHL
and can continue to thrive,
then that's the time for them to become full-time NHLers.
So with kind of two different outlooks on these two players
even though they both were first round picks
in each of the last two years,
I do think they're entirely two different situations
and because of that, I'm expecting Waver's place in the lineup
to probably be either on the third line
or the fourth line for the Blackhawks.
One is NHL debut does come,
which again, what I'm hearing is
it's going to be tomorrow against the flyers.
But with this news that Waver's NHL debut is on the horizon,
I definitely wanted to go over where Waver could slot into the lineup
and what the Blackhawks lineup will look like
as a whole with him in it.
So the top line, no reason to change this up whatsoever,
no reason to even think about putting Andre Barakowski back there
after having nearly goose eggs across the board
down on the third line.
Not how I'm sure Blaschel wanted to see Barakowski perform.
You know, you demoted guy from the top line
and Blaschel has done Barakowski a lot of favors
by keeping him there as long as he has.
And Barakowski's been outspoken about how appreciative
he is of Blaschel continuing to put him in that spot
despite him not producing well.
It would have been a nice favor.
It would have been nice to see Barakowski return the favor
and go and have a better effort or a more impactful game
down on the third line.
And listen, Ryan Green didn't have a shot on goal
last night for the Blackhawks.
He didn't finish with a single point on the board.
But you know what, he at least did.
He chipped in for a couple of black shots.
He chipped in for some hits, had a couple of scoring chances.
Andre Barakowski didn't do any of that.
So that's kind of the situation we find ourselves in with Barakowski.
He's not producing offensively
and he just doesn't really give you anything whatsoever
outside of that.
So no reason to even consider putting him back on the top line.
Even if you do want to give Ryan Green some looks down the stretch,
I don't think Andre Barakowski is the answer.
I'd much rather just give Sasha Wauvar
even if it could potentially overwhelm him a little bit
to go up into the top line right away.
I'd much rather give that chance to Sasha Wauvar
to at least see what he has in store in that spot
than put Andre Barakowski back there.
But I do think we're going to see the green Budard,
Frontel, combination for at least the next couple of games here
with the way that Nick Lardis has been performing in his two games
since being promoted somewhat full time.
At least remained in that spot for an entire game now
for two consecutive outings
with the way that he's performed on that second line.
Four points over the last two games.
Like I said in segment one,
I think he was probably the most impactful Black Hawk skater last night.
No reason for Blaschio to go and change up that second line.
So Bert, Nazar and Lardis.
And I mean, overall in this top six with Tyler Bertuzzi
being the only one who's what, over 22 years old, yeah.
That's what the Black Hawk should be going
with down the stretch here.
On the third line, this is potentially
where we could see Sasha Wauvar slide in.
But I don't, I mean, I wouldn't disagree with putting him
over Andre Barakowski in that third line left wing spot
along with Ryan DeNado and Ilya McKayev
as someone who can play with some good physicality
for his size six foot three.
And does provide a good two way game.
I think that is a good spot for Sasha Wauvar
and I do feel like it's definitely a possibility
that that's where he could slot into line
up for his NHL debut where I have him though
is down on the fourth line at the fourth line center spot.
He could also jump into that three C spot
as the Black Hawks are, of course,
unfortunately without Oliver Moore right now
and Ryan DeNado is in that three C spot replacing him
considering, yes, Ryan DeNado was signed on
for another three years after this one.
But Sasha Wauvar definitely is held in higher regards
for the organization because he has a real good chance
to be a puzzle piece long term, exactly what piece
that's going to be.
That's what we're still trying to find out.
But I feel like third line left wing,
third line center or fourth line center
are the options for Sasha Wauvar right now
because the Black Hawks need some help down the middle
and Dominic Toninato, Sam Lafferty playing center
down on the fourth line isn't the most ideal situation
and with the youngsters coming in,
they're definitely going to get the opportunities
over them.
So I do think the fourth line center spot is a decent spot
for Sasha Wauvar to kick off his pro career.
Listen, he's not going to be asked to do too much.
He can kind of get his first taste of NHL action
out there and not have super high expectations
or anything.
Tavo Terevine and his been down on the fourth line
as well recently.
And I think that could be a good line mate for him
to at least have a little bit of skill alongside him.
And then overall, it's just going to allow him
to get an opportunity to see what NHL action is all about
and then go into the offseason and have a better understanding
of what he needs to continue developing,
what he needs to improve upon before his first full campaign
at the professional level in 2026, 2027.
I have Wauvar on the fourth line with Tavo Terevine
and land and slagger.
I could definitely see it shaping out that way,
but do also want to point out third line left wing
and third line center.
I also believe are in the cards.
We will be really interesting though
to see what's going to happen with this Blackhawks forward
group in general when Andrew Mangiappani returns from his injury
because I mean, looking at this lineup right now,
you could healthy scratch on Draper Akawski.
I know a lot of Blackhawks fans wouldn't hate to see that.
Do I think Blackhawks actually going to go that route?
Possibly, probably not, excuse me.
So as for who's going to jump out of this lineup
to give Andrew Mangiappani an opportunity?
And I think Andrew Mangiappani is deserving of flying.
He hasn't been, you know, otherworldly or anything,
but I feel like he's made an impact
and played with a little bit of a chip on his shoulder
since being acquired from the Blackhawks.
So is it going to be land and slagger
who's coming out of the lineup?
I do think the Blackhawks want to give slags opportunities,
but might just have to scratch him a little bit
to give Mangiappani those looks.
We know Sam Lafferty and Dominic Toninato.
Toninato is going to be going back down to rock
for it any day now, but very interested to see
what's going to happen with this Blackhawks forward group
because with Wavair and Frandel now on the NHL scene,
and not that Andrew Mangiappani is, you know,
held in the same regard as those two young players,
but I do think they want to be giving him an opportunity
in the lineup.
So very interested to see how that's all going to shake out.
But with Anton Frandel and Sasha Blavare,
now on the scene Blackhawks fans,
seven of General Manager Kyle Davidson's first round picks
are now on the NHL scene.
Conor Bedard, Anton Frandel, Frankie Nazar, Sasha Blavare,
Artem Levchenov, Sam Renzell,
unfortunately, the seventh Oliver Moore is currently
out right now due to injury.
And then there's 2022 second round pick, Ryan Green,
2023 third round pick, Nick Larris,
both of those players selected by Davidson as well.
So nine of the, what is that?
15, 22 skaters on the roster right now.
We're selected by Kyle Davidson since 2022.
And then even though these players weren't selected by Davidson,
they are still homegrown talent with Alex Lastic
being drafted by the Blackhawks.
Wyatt Kaiser, Ethan Del Mastro, Louis Crevier,
all of those players are homegrown talents.
So I think this is shaping up to be a very exciting 11 game,
final 11 games of the season where we really get an opportunity
to see all of these kids together,
playing for the Blackhawks for the first time
and really get a look at what Kyle Davidson has done
in his time as General Manager
in rebuilding the Blackhawks.
It's been a long, slow moving, frustrating rebuild at times.
But now we're finally starting to see all the kids come to the other.
Now we're going to see some of the promise.
And yeah, it might not result in wins
because of all these kids are so inexperienced.
But there's a lot of potential there.
And getting these guys reps with one another down the stretch
is going to be really significant for what the Blackhawks
are going to try to do.
Go into the offseason with some momentum
and get off to a good start in 2026, 2027.
I really believe these final 11 games are set up to be,
even though it's not playoff contention games,
the Blackhawks aren't fighting for their playoff lives.
I think it's set up to be one of the most exciting
finishing stretches in a long, long time.
As Anton Frontel makes his NHL debut outside of Conor Bedard,
one of the most significant NHL debuts
for the Blackhawks organization in a long, long time.
And it sounds like we're going to be getting another one
in Sasha Boah Bear here in 24 hours or so
against the Philadelphia Flyers.
All right, there is the latest news on Sasha Boah Bear
and how he's going to fit into the Blackhawks lineup,
what it will look like when he does finally draw in.
Coming up in just a moment,
before I close out today's show still,
have to break down Roman Cancer Off,
making KHL history this year.
But first, gotta talk to you all about the last of today's
sponsors here on Lockdown Blackhawks,
which is Banned Dual.
The NCAA tournament is here,
one of the best times of the year, brackets,
buzzer beaters, upsets.
It's non-stop action from tip to final cut down.
And right now, Fandool is giving new customers
a way to stay in on the action all tournament long.
And here's the best part.
You can get up to $300 back in bonus bets every day
for 10 days.
That means 10 chances to stay involved
throughout the entire tournament.
And you can mix it up, however you want.
Game picks, futures, or even same game parlays
for bigger potential payouts.
It's perfect for the tournament because every day,
there's something new, different matchups,
new storylines, and more ways to get involved
as the bracket unfolds.
So go and visit fandool.com to sign up today.
Again, that's fandool.com in order to get in on the action.
Not every sale happens at the register.
Before AT&T business wireless,
checking out customers on our mobile POS systems
took too long.
Basically a staring contest where everyone loses.
It's crazy what people say during an awkward silence.
Now transactions are done before the silence takes hold.
That means I can focus on the task at hand
and make an extra sale at two.
Sometimes I do miss the bonding time, sometimes.
AT&T business wireless, connecting changes everything.
Just want to say thank you real quick to everyone
for making lockdown Black Hawks your very first lesson
here to start off your day.
Segment three, he's officially done at Black Hawks fans
according to my research with 64 points,
including a league leading 36 goals and 63 games this season.
Roman Cancerov has officially become the first 21-year-old
to finish with a points for game rating higher than one
in KHL history.
He also has recorded the most points ever by a 21-year-old
in KHL history was 64.
That's nine more than what Alexander Niketian Talley
does a 21-year-old back in the 2022-2023 season.
And oh yeah, the 10 power play goals that Cancerov
netted this year are also the most in KHL history
for a 21-year-old and he's the first 21-year-old
to lead the league in goals since Caril Caprizov
back in 2021 at 2022.
So some elite elite company from Roman Cancerov
setting KHL records.
He also now has tied for the seventh most goals
in a single season in KHL history among all ages.
I mean, incredible.
What Cancerov has been able to do this season,
playing for in a similar sense to Sasha Boa-Vere
with your guard and the SHL.
Cancerov playing for his hometown team over in Russia,
Magnita Gorsk has helped them be the top seed
going into the KHL playoffs.
So stoked for Roman Cancerov to hopefully be
on the NHL scene next year with the Black OX,
all indications are that he's going to come over
in North America once his KHL contract expires
at the conclusion of the season,
but just thinking about the Black OX prospects, man,
not only having the two top goal scores in the OHL this year
in Merid Van Acker with 47 and Jack Pridham with 46,
the only two players to record more than 40 goals
this season in the Ontario Hockey League.
Then the Black OX also of course had Frondelle becoming
the fourth 18-year-old and SHL history to score 20 goals
or more in a single season.
Now they have Roman Cancerov who, in my books, again,
from the research that I've done has the best 21-year-old
season in KHL history.
And for Cancerov to go and do this,
I'm someone who's been high on Cancerov
for the last handful of years.
But even I didn't envision him having this type of season,
especially in the goal scoring department.
I knew he was a capable player.
I knew he was capable of having a really dominant,
hopefully final season over in Russia.
But I still didn't expect it to be at this level.
Here's what I said, Black OX fans,
remember in segment three a couple of days ago
on the show I mentioned that I did a preview episodes
for all of the Black OX top prospects back in like August,
kind of projecting the numbers or what I want to see
from them in their respective seasons.
I'm going to be going over those that I did for Jack Pridham
and Merid Van Acker on tomorrow's episode
ahead of the OHL playoffs kicking off.
But I did the same thing for Roman Cancerov
going into this season as well.
And back on August 19th,
here's what I had to say about my expectations
for Cancerov going into this year.
I said, quote,
if he stays healthy and plays a 65 to 68 game season,
I expect Cancerov to reach 50 points
and possibly even push for 60.
I want to see his speed and skill dominate this year
as he's racked up quality experiences already at a young age.
I expect him to take that next step
as a leader of the team.
And I also want to see an uptick in goal scoring this year.
Quotes, quote, because remember,
in his first two years over in the KHL,
Roman Cancerov was mostly known for his playmaking.
He was racking up a lot of assists
while for him to go and become not only the league's
leading goal scorer,
but to do it also while transitioning
to the center ice position.
He had played wing for Magnetegorce the last two years.
As a playmaker now moves to the center ice position,
becomes the best player for his team
on the best team in the KHL leads the league in goals.
I would, yeah, definitely say he had an uptick in goal scoring.
I definitely would say we saw his speed
and skill dominate in the KHL this year
and wound up with again, 64 points and 63 games.
I was just hoping that he would hit 50
and be on the push for 60 for him to finish higher
with an above one point for game margin
is just absolutely incredible.
And rightfully so has a lot of us so excited
about the future of Roman Cancerov with the Black Hawks.
But as I mentioned,
Cancerov and Magnetegorce are the number one seed
in the KHL playoffs, which kicked off yesterday
in Cancerov and Magnetegorce.
They're trying to win the gag ring cup
for the second time in three years
and started off on the right note
by taking down severe, I believe is the team
that they're facing four to one in game one
of their opening round series.
And Cancerov was at the helm scoring his first goal
of the postseason and also telling a primary assist
for a multi-point game and game two of this series
will be held tomorrow.
And I'll be giving you all the updates on Roman Cancerov
and what he's doing for Magnetegorce all throughout
the gag ring cup playoffs right here on Lockdown Black Hawks.
But the fact that Cancerov has put himself
into elite conversations,
having a more productive 21 year old season
than Kuroka Prizov did.
Being the first 21 year old to lead the KHL
since Kuroka Prizov,
having the most points ever by a 21 year old
in that league,
absolutely incredible stuff Black Hawks fans
and could not be more excited to see this kid
and what he has in store with the Black Hawks'
fingers crossed next year.
That is going to take care of today's episode
of Lockdown Black Hawks as always.
Thank you all again for joining me on the show.
Be sure to subscribe to the channel
if you haven't done so already.
It's all 100% free.
And also go and follow Lockdown Black Hawks
wherever you may be listening to your podcast that way.
You can get the latest episodes
as soon as they become available regardless
of where you're at or what you're doing.
If you want to check me out on X,
you can do so at Jack Bushman too.
My strictly Black Hawks account on X
can be found at Talk and Hockey
for all the latest Black Hawks news and updates.
Until tomorrow's episode everyone,
enjoy the rest of your Wednesdays.
And I'll see you next time on the Lockdown Black Hawks podcast
part of the Lockdown podcast network, your team every day.
Freight rail does more than move goods.
It drives America's economy.
Every dollar invested generates another $2.50
in economic activity spurring growth
from farms to factories.
And here's the best part.
Freight railroads fund their own infrastructure
saving taxpayers billions while powering the economy forward
from reducing highway congestion
to delivering goods safely and efficiently.
Freight rail keeps America moving.
Learn more at AARC.org slash America's engine.
Snoring, gasping during sleep, feeling fatigued?
Wake up to Zeppbound, to Zeppetide.
The first and only FDA approved prescription medicine
for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, OSA,
and adults with obesity.
Zeppbound is an injectable prescription medicine
that may help adults with moderate to severe obstructive sleep
apnea, OSA, and obesity to improve their OSA.
Zeppbound should be used with a reduced calorie diet
and increased physical activity.
Zeppbound is approved as a 2.55, 7.5, 10, 12.5,
or 15 milligram injection.
Zeppbound contains tersepatide and should not be used
with other tersepatide-containing products
or any GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines.
It is not known if Zeppbound is safe and effective
for use in children.
Do not share needles or pens or reuse needles.
Don't take Zeppbound if allergic to it.
Or if you or someone in your family
had medullary thyroid cancer
or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type two.
Tell your doctor if you get a lump
or swelling in your neck.
Stop Zeppbound and call your doctor
if you have severe stomach pain
or a serious allergic reaction.
Severe side effects may include inflamed pancreas
or gallbladder problems.
Tell your doctor if you experience vision changes,
depression, or suicidal thoughts
before scheduled procedures with anesthesia.
If you're nursing, pregnant, plan to be
or taking birth control pills.
Taking Zeppbound with a sulfonoluria or insulin
may cause a little blood sugar.
Side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting,
which can cause dehydration and worsen kidney problems.
Talk to your doctor, call 1-800-545-5979
or visit zeppbound.lily.com.
Zeppbound and its delivery device base in QuickPin
are registered trademarks owned or licensed
by Eli Lilly and company.
It's subsidiaries or affiliates.
Having the right people in your corner
for life's biggest milestones makes all the difference.
Like a friend who's there when you're house hunting
or checking out a new ride, state farm is there too.
Helping you choose the coverage you need.
With a state farm agent, you know someone is there
to help you along the way.
And with so many coverage options,
it's nice knowing you have help choosing a plan
that fits your needs.
So you can continue celebrating all of life's milestones.
Like a good neighbor, state farm is there.

Locked On Blackhawks - Daily Podcast On The Chicago Blackhawks

Locked On Blackhawks - Daily Podcast On The Chicago Blackhawks

Locked On Blackhawks - Daily Podcast On The Chicago Blackhawks
