Chicago Blackhawks Prospects Lose Opener in Toronto

While the 2010 Rookie Tournament is underway, the Chicago Blackhawks may consider the game forgettable. 

Clearly the tournament can’t be taken too seriously, but players would argue the fact when this qualifies as their first impact on a very competitive roster. Kyle Beach, former first round draft pick, continued to prove skeptics right by receiving a 10-minutes misconduct penalty for inappropriate language directed to an official.

The downside of Beach continues to be his maturity and the only way to even be considered for a roster spot would be to show change.

The Good

Jeremy Morin perhaps was one of the few consistent players and in saying so, added a goal to solidify the Blackhawks player of the game.

The Bad

Blackhawks defense…Aside from turning the puck over time and time again, they constantly lost battles on the boards and failed to clear the goal front. Oft touted Brian Connolly and Shawn LaLonde need to show great improvement should they even be considered to dress alongside the regulars.

The Ugly

Alec Richards…Yes, the defense failed on many levels to clear the crease. The goaltending was very poor. Taking nothing away from Toronto prospects, Richards failed to react and make many saves that usually are made.

Up Next…

The young ‘Hawks will take on the Ottawa Senators at 1 p.m. this afternoon at the John Labatt Centre.

Kyle Wahlgren is a featured columnist for bleacherreport.com and owner of chicagosportsauthority.com