Preseason Game III: The Preseasoning

Game Three of The Hawk's preseason schedule featured a slightly more representative lineup than the previous two matches, with about half of the skaters being fellas that are assured a spot on the opening day roster.  On the other bench, St. Loomis had a similar ratio among their forwards, but these were bottom-sixers, to a man, while their D consisted of Shattenkirk and five Guys, so they were up against it from the get-go.
And so, it was a 4-0 win, some capable goaltending and a better sense of where The Hawk's forward corps really are.

Tyler Motte: I texted something to the effect of "inveterate chucker" on Friday, an observation reinforced about 300 times by Pat & Edzo unfailingly pointing out that Motte had more shots on net than anyone in the first three games.  Yet no goals, and not really any decent chances, to speak of. These two very different goals are encouraging, though; good positioning and excellent hand-eye stuff for the first, and a sweet forecheck on Shattenkirk that manufactured a breakaway goal.
Still, I still wouldn't mind seeing the kid pass the puck before Q inevitably slots him alongside Toews.

Jordin Tootoo: Okay, we get it, he's still got all that heart & desire and shit, but he still can't fight, score or skate with the puck worth a damn.  Why was this contract signed?  This should have a "PTO and we'll see" sorta deal.

Mashinter & Rasmussen: Since were certainly stuck with Mashinter it's at least good to see that he's somehow found a little extra speed.  Sure, he still needs the width of the rink to execute a turn, but I'm trying to make the best of this.  Moose looked quicker than usual out there, as well, and was uber-aggressive on the forecheck.  I'm still unconvinced that he's got the finish to secure a lineup spot but he's doing all he can to nail that down.

Nik Hjalmarson: I barely noticed him until he laid out Ty Rattie with an uncharacteristic headhunter type hit.  He'll be speaking to the league office about that on Monday.

Vin Hinostroza: A better effort from him in this one, darting around all evening and getting a couple of good looks.  He's quick and has good puck control, but he's still not breaking through at all.  I suspect he simply lacks the deception that Panarin & Kane, for example, possess.  Hinostroza might work out alright or he might be another Kris Versteeg...looks good enough but something just isn't quite there.  

Ryan Hartman: Enough, already.  He'll probably make the damn team, too.

Ville Pokka: My first look at him and I didn't mind what I saw, as he appears assured and poised. Yet, I saw nothing special, and I suspect this competent averageness will keep him out of the mix.

Michal Kempny: At first (second?) blush, this could be a guy that Q could slot into any of the three pairings, although I still have reservations about his top speed.

Gustav Forsling: Better in each game, so far.  He was more successful in skating his way out of trouble in this game, but let's see how he does against some real NHLers as we get closer to Go Time.

It looks like Q & Co. have already narrowed down who they want to inspect more closely, so I expect to see a similar group of guys tonight vs. Detroit, maybe with Kane & The Arthurs replaced by Toews + ??