Category Archives: Lindsay Ryall

Lindsay Ryall, NHL

No Rush to Crown Blackhawks a Dynasty

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Credit: USA Today

When it comes to major hockey moments a bit of time to gain perspective is often required.  So it was a little surprising to hear a unanimous rush to grant the 2014 – 15 Chicago Blackhawks the elite status of dynasty, a term afforded to only 9 teams (six franchises) over 95 years in the NHL’s lengthy history.  To be clear what makes a dynasty, definition can be drawn from the small number of teams recognized as such by the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Based on the franchises that have been awarded this lofty status there are a few standout criteria items.

-Need to have one two cups back to back over the dynastic period.

-Must have won a minimum of four Stanley cups.

-Clearly have dominated other opposition during their period of greatness.

When matching this criteria to Chicago Blackhawks that one it’s first cup in 2009, the windy city franchise clearly does not match up.  They haven’t won back to back cups, they haven’t won four Stanley cups, and they really haven’t been the clear dominant franchise during their dynastic period.  So why is media, NHL executives and hordes of fans rushing to declare them a dynasty?  The reasons have less to do with facts and more to do with marketing and a desire by all to feel they are watching hockey that is truly special.

Gary Bettman Says So . . .

When the cup was awarded, the NHL Hockey boss said he believed the Chicago Blackhawks were a dynasty and took advantage of one of those rare moments when he wasn’t showered with boos.  It must have made Gary feel warm and fuzzy to be the good guy on this occasion, however, that good feeling was likely a far distance from his true motivation.  Bettman’s real motive, the one he holds near near and dear to his heart, is selling the sport of hockey in the U,S, and making as much money for the league and himself in the process..  Chicago is one of the top markets in the US and while he doesn’t need to sell hard to this storied franchise, it doesn’t hurt.  Additionally, while the spot light was in Chicago all the U.S. could bask in the afterglow.  Do you think that may help sell some tickets?  It certainly wouldn’t hurt.

The issue I have with Bettman’s statement is that I don’t believe he is equipped to make any blanket statements with respect to the sacred sport of hockey.  I honestly believe if he was hooked to a lie detector and and asked to recount his top ten hockey memories he might get to 7 before machine went beserk as he went into the fabrication zone.  So to believe Bettman’s cheerleading legitimizes a Blackhawk dynasty is pure folly.

What About The Media?

Somewhat surprisingly the hockey media generally rushed to support the notion that Chicago should be crowned a dynasty.  Even established vets like Bob Mckenzie agreed that the cup victory legitimized a new dynasty.  The real question that needs to be asked is why?  Especially when the Hawks’ victory totals clearly did not stack up to any previous dynasties.  The straight answer to that is the media was really just doing it’s job and spinning the most interesting angle following the Stanley cup victory.  To some degree that perspective of the media can be appreciated albeit the claim remains inaccurate.  Especially when you couple the media’s natural drive for the biggest story out there with a push for something to make our hockey time that much more significant.  This push isn’t new.  As long ago as 2000 the HHOF had been feeling pressure to recognize something truly elite comparable to other great hockey eras.  Elite players have arrived but no real elite teams, at least no dynasties.

But They Did It Under The Salary Cap so . . .

A very valid point all those who support the Hawks’  claim to dynasty status is that the salary cap that has been in place since 2005 – 06 has made it all but impossible to assemble a four cup team, so a three cup one spread out over five years should suffice.  But is that really the biggest obstacle to another dynasty team?  As challenging as the cap is the continuing influx of teams over the past 20 years that have diluted the talent available as well as competition from other leagues for high level players have sapped the talent pool.

Based on that ongoing challenge, a team like the Detroit Red Wings of the mid to late 90’s that won three cups over five years should have received equal consideration for dynasty status, but never did.  The reason the push is on now has less to do with the Blackhawks actually being a dynasty and more to do with all parties associated with the NHL wanting something that special to happen during their time watching hockey.  As for Blackhawks actually being a dynasty there is one last significant reason that disqualifies them:  During their ostensibly dynastic period they did not dominate from start to finish.

When you look at past dynasties, specifically ones like the 1920’s Senators or 1950’s Detroit Red Wings that did not win their cups consecutively, they were still clearly the dominant team of their dynastic period.  The Chicago Blackhawks by comparison only have one more cup than dynasty rival, the Los Angeles Kings.  Indeed, if the Kings were to somehow rebound next year they would have won as many cups as Chicago and would also incorrectly challenge for dynasty status.  So would that be realistic?  No, it would all be high level wishful thinking.

Now, what if the Blackhawks were to pull off yet one more win in the 2015 – 2016 season?  Would that be enough to do it?  Well, actually I would have to say yes.  They would have won four cups over a relatively short period of time including back to back wins and would clearly have been the best team during their dynastic period.  So until that happens, lets not rush to make any excessive claims of grandeur but simply label the Blackhawks for what they are: an excellent team of their era comparable to the Detroit Red Wings or Colorado Avalanche of the 90’s.  But are they a dynasty?  Not quite yet.

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Edmonton Oilers, Lindsay Ryall, NHL, Prospects

Making a case for David Musil

Reflecting on the Oiler’s 2nd Pick in 2011

David Musil (credit: Andy Devlin)

As the most anticipated NHL draft in Edmonton Oilers’ history rapidly approaches, a quiet subplot looms in the background.  Connor Mcdavid is surely a slam dunk for the number one pick and eventual generational talent, however, the concern remains: will there be any gems in rounds two through five, the ones every team needs to build a Stanley cup winner?

The 2011 draft is one that has drawn the critical eye of Oiler fans when in the second round, future impact NHL talents  Boone Jenner and Brandon Saad, were passed over by the Oilers scouting staff in favor of a stay at home defenseman with the Vancouver Giants, David Musil.

To this point David Musil has played limited games in the NHL (two, to be exact) and questions about his lack of foot speed continue to dog him.  Despite his detractors, there are enough positives to support the belief he may develop into the physical defensively sound rearguard the Oilers sorely need.

Of course you can’t argue there were better players taken after Musil, but as far as defenseman taken in rounds two and after, his development is more than comparable.  Keep in mind, if Musil does succeed in making it as a pro, an ideal stay at home defenseman doesn’t get a lot of attention with his play.  If you don’t notice him, it means he’s done his job.

And as far as progression goes, Musil’s has been steady.  He followed up a strong final year in junior with the Edmonton Oil Kings (7-16-23 points in 48 games) with an . . . okay first year at pro in 2013-14 (2 – 10 – 12 and -2 in 54 games).  And last year had a very solid season, posting 11 points in 65 games with the OKC Barons as well as improving his plus minus 12 points to plus 2.

But it was when Musil was given a cup of coffee with the big club at the end of last season that some eyebrows were raised.  Not by Musil’s flashy play, but with his steady confidence in the limited minutes he received, as well as showing the ability to do something the majority of Oiler defenseman seem unable or unwilling to do: physically stop the cycle of opposing forwards.

As for his much maligned skating ability, I didn’t notice him lagging that far behind in the two NHL games he played.  However, most agree it will be an area that requires improvement.  I’m not an NHL scout, so they’re probably right.  But the good news is that in today’s advanced athletics he can improve upon his footspeed, he just has to be willing to work on it.

It’s in the genes

Frank Musil (left) David Musil (Oilers/NHL.com)

And on that end, Musil’s bloodlines indicate he has the character and work ethic to overcome this limitation.  Not only is there father Frank Musil who toiled 13 seasons as a journeyman NHL defenceman, but also Uncle Bobby Holik who had a lengthy NHL career being one of the first euro-power forwards.  None of David’s relatives were known for their flash, but were hard-working physical pro hockey players, which Musil is on pace to be.

But if there were better forwards passed over in the second round, was there a slam dunk better defenceman available?  The quick answer to that question is, not really.  The criteria for a significantly better D-man pick would be one chosen in the second round or later of the 2011 draft, and who has played at least one full season, or 80 games.  At this point, no one really stands out significantly.

The most advanced D-man pick from the 2011 draft picked outside of the first round I could find would be Nikita Nesterov (fifth round pick in 2011) of the Tampa Bay Lighting, who has played 27 regular season games and 17 in the post-season in 2015  and will likely be promoted to full-time duty next season.  But he’s sub-200 lbs, and not likely what the Oilers need in terms of physicality.

Conversely, Musil is 6’3, 204 lbs., and has the physical tools he needs to be an effective NHL defenseman . . . as long as he can improve his skating.  Look for him to get a longer look this year, and after one more year of seasoning in the minors, a roster spot.

Several years after the 2011 draft, rumors persist that Musil Junior indeed wasn’t the Oilers scouts’ choice in the 2nd round of the 2011 daft, and that they favored Boone Jenner.  However, then GM Steve Tambellini apparently insisted on drafting a defenseman and here we are.  Four years later the Oilers are still in desperate need of physical defensemen, and while Musil is taking his time getting to the NHL, he should be just what the Oilers need when he gets there.

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The ’97