I can't wait until game time tonight. 17 more games until the playoffs, but I am feeling my own playoff intensity kick in. I am very excited to see the Wiesel in a Hawks sweater, and even more excited to get Hoss and Kruger back to see how the whole package looks post-shuffle.

update on Panarin's bonuses:

he has already reached his games played and Schedule A bonuses which will kick in $1,075M of extra cap.

as per GeneralFanager, the following are the Schedule B bonuses:
$1,725,000 for any of the following achievements - top 10 forward in the league in goals/assists/points/points per game (min 42GP), top 5 in league in Hart/Selke/Richard voting, NHL First or Second team all star, Conn Smythe.

of the schedule B he currently ranks, as of 3/3/2016:
Goals scored amongst forwards: tied for 14th with many players around him having games in hand
Assists scored amongst forwards: tied for 14th with many players around him having games in hand
Points scored amongst forwards: tied for 10th with Ovechkin who has games in hand on Panarin
Points/game scored amongst forwards: 12th but would fall to 13th when McDavid reaches 42 games played.

my guess is he is maybe 50/50 to hit the top 10 in any of these categories.

as for the trophies involved, requiring top 5 in voting:
Hart - league MVP - that will be Kane or Ovechkin it would seem but is top 5 possible?
Selke - too many top defensive forwards for him to get into the top 5
Richard - goes to the top goal scorer in the league. is he not in the top 10 from above, he couldn't be in the top 5 for this one either.

Could he be named as a 1st or 2nd team All-Star. again possible, but highly unlikely.

and last but not least the Conn Smythe. cannot possibly call that one at this time as we'll need to see the entire playoffs played out 1st.

so while a few weeks back it seemed certain he'd be hitting the schedule B's, now I am not so certain of it. while we'd all love to see him continue to put up pts with Kaner, the Hawks would be better served if the scoring were to now be spread out amongst all 4 lines which would then aide the Hawks in the cap overage on Panarin as well.

regardless, his season has been incredible to date, and I will just be happy to see him sign an extension in July.
- Hossa2theHOF

Thanks so much for sharing this...as for the cost, however it plays out will be just fine. I'm sure Stan is prepared for this and is working on an extension that is fair both ways right now.

The Hawks right now.


- breadbag

Indeed.

Kinda what I was thinking last night. Stanley went out and got 3 forwards (including two left wings), one defenseman. Would I have liked to see one more reasonable quality NHL blue liner, absolutely.

But I have really felt, and still feel, the problem with this team's defense may have been its offense. i.e., keeping the other team more on its heels and stuck in its own end. Wiese, Ladd, Meat Man (the first two especially) all guys who can help do that.

They looked good last night, and really the last 5 periods against two good teams. Get a healthy rested Hoss sand Kruger back. Everyone else stays healthy, look out.
- John Jaeckel

Agree completely!

Here's a question for some of you guys that have actually played the game on a competitive level. Kruger is coming off surgery to repair a dislocation of his left wrist. I've heard with this type of injury it's hard to predict how it will affect the player's ability when he returns.

From what I gather Kruger is right handed and shoots left. My assumption is since he's right handed and it was his left wrist, it shouldn't be as big of a deal. Question, is that assumption right or wrong? 2nd question, being a center taking draws, how much does his left hand effect his ability to win draws?

Also, Ladd is fitting nicely with Toews very quickly. Already the Hawks have 2 scoring lines, and Shaw is now on the RW. Had that puck not rolled off CE's stick, the 1st line gets 2 goals last night.

Rasmussen and Panik both played very good games last night, and Fleisch, with his size, speed and intelligence, is a machine out there...what a great pick up by SB because Fleisch looks ready to win a Cup...and Weise hasn't even dressed yet.

As for Panarin? What can you say, JJ and I took a lot of looks this summer at his game highlights on Youtube and you could see that he was going to have success (that's why I guaranteed it), he's not only fast with a great shot, he's super smart, has great vision and is STRONG on the puck. What a find by Bowman...if he were a 1st round pick, Panarin would amount to one of the best in a long, long time.

Oh, and Anisimov quietly going about his business last night, fighting for pucks and creating lots of space for both Kaner and Panarin...another great find.
- MexicoHawk

Rasmussen and Panik have been real solid depth acquisitions for Stan. In all likelihood they won't play in the playoffs if everyone is healthy. But this has been a very good season for both guys and they should both have a place on this team next year.

Earlier this season and was complaining about Rasmussen...clearly I was wrong.

Right back at CE...a guy who's had a good NHL career, and deserves a Cup. He played well last night in 17+ minutes, and is going to do everything he can for this team to win another Cup. Great move by Bowman. Q wanted to take a chance on Scudsy and Bowman turns that into Erhoff and more money saved. Literally the actions of a great GM. With Weise returning tonight, what a DEEP set of forwards, and back to rolling 4 lines.
- MexicoHawk

Where is Weise supposed to lineup tonight?

Also, do you think Rosy is going to get the nod over Erhoff or Gusto?

Here's a question for some of you guys that have actually played the game on a competitive level. Kruger is coming off surgery to repair a dislocation of his left wrist. I've heard with this type of injury it's hard to predict how it will affect the player's ability when he returns.

From what I gather Kruger is right handed and shoots left. My assumption is since he's right handed and it was his left wrist, it shouldn't be as big of a deal. Question, is that assumption right or wrong? 2nd question, being a center taking draws, how much does his left hand effect his ability to win draws?
- walleyeb1

Top hand controls the puck MUCH more than the bottom hand. Mobility of the wrist for the left(top) hand is CRUCIAL for puck control and making plays.

and to get those juices flowing even more...

every OT playoff winning goal since 2009...starting with havlat vs the flames...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jD-L8uaUe3k
- bogiedoc

I'll have rewatch this just before playoffs start. You see the usual involved in big goals Kane Toews Seabs Keith but Bickell was involved a lot too,n add in his tying goal vs Boston. Bicks was very valuable to the Hawks n pretty clutch too.

Where is Weise supposed to lineup tonight?

Also, do you think Rosy is going to get the nod over Erhoff or Gusto?
- phantasmo

I would put him with Toews+Ladd but I imagine he will start on line 3 with TT+Flash

Top hand controls the puck MUCH more than the bottom hand. Mobility of the wrist for the left(top) hand is CRUCIAL for puck control and making plays.
- EnzoD

Right, but as a centerman, the bottom hand is critical for winning draws, and tying guys up on defense so if it's at all weak, he will have trouble. Guys at this level have steel forearms, shoulders, and backs so there has to be some concern about his strength.

Right, but as a centerman, the bottom hand is critical for winning draws, and tying guys up on defense so if it's at all weak, he will have trouble. Guys at this level have steel forearms, shoulders, and backs so there has to be some concern about his strength.
- DirkGraham

So, he should be fine for faceoffs, but his overall puck control/playmaking is the biggest question mark.

So, he should be fine for faceoffs, but his overall puck control/playmaking is the biggest question mark.
- EnzoD

Yea ok. I see I thought we were saying his left wrist was hurt (bottom hand). I see it's the right now.

Rasmussen and Panik have been real solid depth acquisitions for Stan. In all likelihood they won't play in the playoffs if everyone is healthy. But this has been a very good season for both guys and they should both have a place on this team next year.

Earlier this season and was complaining about Rasmussen...clearly I was wrong.
- DarthKane

Yeah, exactly, even if they don't contribute much during the playoffs, what an experience for them. They are playing on a team that is dripping in leadership, and that rubs off after a while.

With the money Bowman is going to have to pay for Panarin, guys like Rasmussen, Panik, TVR and Gus are essential for a "threepeat".

BTW, as a side note, I was told that CAR Mgt. and fans are VERY happy with the acquisition of Nordstrom. He wasn't ready for the Hawks last season, and perhaps this season as well, but he's a nice piece moving forward for them. 200' player.

Where is Weise supposed to lineup tonight?

Also, do you think Rosy is going to get the nod over Erhoff or Gusto?
- phantasmo

Q is going to trust Erhoff and Rozy come playoff time if they are healthy. However, I would love to see Gus get playoff action and spell off Rozy from time to time...we will see what happens. That little pass from Gus to Seabs last night on his goal demonstrated very good, elite vision on the part of Gus...he's got a lot tools to work with.

Guys....as a hawk fan who grew up with the heart-breaking Lemaire goal from just inside center.....to the "Glory days" of cheering Pit Martin, Chico Maki and Cliff Korrell....to the "Dynasty" we have been lucky enough to experience the last 7 years. Let's just see what we have done recently. It is truely ASTONISHING in this CAP era.

2009....lost in Final 4 to Detroit....solid run
2010.....CUP
2011....Down 0-3 to Nucks, force a Game 7 OT. Nucks lose in Cup Final. We were THAT close to perhaps doing it again!
2012...Only Bummer year....Mike Smith and RaT Raffi Torres oust us Round 1
2013....CUP
2014....Final 4, Game 7, OT.....THAT close to another
2015....CUP

Other that 2012 we have arguably been right in the hunt for 6 of the last 7 Cups....and this year it will be 7 of the last 8.

THAT folks, is incredible. Over the last 8 years. Tell me even ONE team that comes remotely close to this.

Go Hawks!!!!!!

Yeah, exactly, even if they don't contribute much during the playoffs, what an experience for them. They are playing on a team that is dripping in leadership, and that rubs off after a while.

With the money Bowman is going to have to pay for Panarin, guys like Rasmussen, Panik, TVR and Gus are essential for a "threepeat".

BTW, as a side note, I was told that CAR Mgt. and fans are VERY happy with the acquisition of Nordstrom. He wasn't ready for the Hawks last season, and perhaps this season as well, but he's a nice piece moving forward for them. 200' player.
- MexicoHawk

Nordstrom seems to have really fit in with the Hurricanes, I'm happy for him. Hopefully they lock him up for a few years.

Kruger had surgery, was immobilized, is now skating and doing stick handling drills. I think we can safely bet he is also doing what is necessary to strengthen his body and in particular his wrists, forearms, etc before getting back on the ice.

It's not like he had surgery, went to bed and wakes up in April to play.

It's rehabilitation. Based on what we have SEEN, it's going fine. He'll probably be fine to play in another few weeks, 100%.

Here's a question for some of you guys that have actually played the game on a competitive level. Kruger is coming off surgery to repair a dislocation of his left wrist. I've heard with this type of injury it's hard to predict how it will affect the player's ability when he returns.

From what I gather Kruger is right handed and shoots left. My assumption is since he's right handed and it was his left wrist, it shouldn't be as big of a deal. Question, is that assumption right or wrong? 2nd question, being a center taking draws, how much does his left hand effect his ability to win draws?
- walleyeb1

It was an issue 30 years ago, but not as much today as sports medicine has come A LONG WAY since then. When I played, broken bones and damaged tendons/ligaments were "cemented", and it meant a lot of scar tissue, discomfort, lack of motion and long rehabs. Today, SM knows that restriction of the bone/joint/tendon/ligament should be a relatively short process. The key is to give the area lots of blood flow and thus circulation. This limits the formation of scar tissue. It's scar tissue that would be the problem for Kruger regarding his shooting and F/O production, not strength. The natural healing process for any area of the body makes the damage point STRONGER, not weaker...and it sounds like the Hawks and Kruger are doing it right...he was out of the cast early, and has been working with a "strength ball", ultrasound, and gentle movements with a stick in his hand. Smart team, smart player, things are going to work out fine.

It was an issue 30 years ago, but not as much today as sports medicine has come A LONG WAY since then. When I played, broken bones and damaged tendons/ligaments were "cemented", and it meant a lot of scar tissue, discomfort, lack of motion and long rehabs. Today, SM knows that restriction of the bone/joint/tendon/ligament should be a relatively short process. The key is to give the area lots of blood flow and thus circulation. This limits the formation of scar tissue. It's scar tissue that would be the problem for Kruger regarding his shooting and F/O production, not strength. The natural healing process for any area of the body makes the damage point STRONGER, not weaker...and it sounds like the Hawks and Kruger are doing it right...he was out of the cast early, and has been working with a "strength ball", ultrasound, and gentle movements with a stick in his hand. Smart team, smart player, things are going to work out fine.
- MexicoHawk

In my injury experience (rotator cuff grade 1, MCL grade 1 and partially torn abdominal wall), the body part recovers but is NEVER as strong/stronger than pre-injury. Anyone with a medical background care to chime in??

Kruger had surgery, was immobilized, is now skating and doing stick handling drills. I think we can safely bet he is also doing what is necessary to strengthen his body and in particular his wrists, forearms, etc before getting back on the ice.

It's not like he had surgery, went to bed and wakes up in April to play.

It's rehabilitation. Based on what we have SEEN, it's going fine. He'll probably be fine to play in another few weeks, 100%.
- John Jaeckel

Was he able to do any sort of cardio? That totally sucks. I guess he couldn't swim with the whole wrist injury....no skating in case of a fall.....total bummer all around

Kruger had surgery, was immobilized, is now skating and doing stick handling drills. I think we can safely bet he is also doing what is necessary to strengthen his body and in particular his wrists, forearms, etc before getting back on the ice.

It's not like he had surgery, went to bed and wakes up in April to play.

It's rehabilitation. Based on what we have SEEN, it's going fine. He'll probably be fine to play in another few weeks, 100%.
- John Jaeckel

My question was more to mobility, sometimes some range of motion is lost with this surgery. I think we may also have a misunderstanding regarding hand placement on hockey stick. Your average American novice player hold the stick opposite of most NHL players. Kruger is right handed so his right hand is on the top of his stick, the left hand is in the lower position.

I'll have rewatch this just before playoffs start. You see the usual involved in big goals Kane Toews Seabs Keith but Bickell was involved a lot too,n add in his tying goal vs Boston. Bicks was very valuable to the Hawks n pretty clutch too.
- HamiltonHawk

yep...bicks had a couple...amazing how good they have been in OT playoff games....

Kruger had surgery, was immobilized, is now skating and doing stick handling drills. I think we can safely bet he is also doing what is necessary to strengthen his body and in particular his wrists, forearms, etc before getting back on the ice.

It's not like he had surgery, went to bed and wakes up in April to play.

It's rehabilitation. Based on what we have SEEN, it's going fine. He'll probably be fine to play in another few weeks, 100%.
- John Jaeckel

I think he will be ready to go with fresh legs. Are you doing a Wings recap/Bruins preview blog today JJ?? Also, anyone have scoop on who comes out for Rosival/Weise?? Please let Mashinter be scratched....

I think he will be ready to go with fresh legs. Are you doing a Wings recap/Bruins preview blog today JJ?? Also, anyone have scoop on who comes out for Rosival/Weise?? Please let Mashinter be scratched....
- EnzoD

I think Q will announce that around 3-4.

My prediction
16-19-65
KaneGB
12-86-25(weise)
11-70-14

2-4
57-7
55-32

D is way harder to guess. Q will likely try this out to see what he has