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??
- EnzoD

It's difficult with the functionality of the rotator cuff because that is a VERY COMPLEX part of the shoulder joint. For things like throwing motion and follow through it comes down to precise degrees and angles, which can be thrown off simply by too much scar tissue (believe me, I know). But as to it's strength, give it time and rehabilitation and it can be stronger...rush it back too soon and stop the healing process and the injury remains. The body always heals the injured area stronger than it was (whether it's bone or soft tissue), if you allow it to...a truly amazing system that we still don't fully understand.

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
- phantasmo

Of course he was...what you are describing is "Fear medicine" not sports medicine.

Gracias Amigo

- philco28

They asked him in an interview why he chose 72 as his number for SKA and his answer was "I simply liked the way it looked"

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

Left handed player controls the stick with the right hand (top hand), but leverages with the left on a faceoff. All depends on how complete his recovery is. I wouldn't expect him to be quite as good on faceoffs immediately, but he should come around as time goes on.

Does anyone have any intel on Alex Lyon? Lyon is a goalie with Yale and could be a good college free-agent find. I know he was invited to the Blackhawks prospect camp in 2014, but other than that I don't know much.

one thing I love About Pan is he that Puck is on the way to the net so fast and never breaks a stick and seems to get it all and elevate it. That is a skill in itself. If the camera cannot keep up with it, how would the goalie.

Left handed player controls the stick with the right hand (top hand), but leverages with the left on a faceoff. All depends on how complete his recovery is. I wouldn't expect him to be quite as good on faceoffs immediately, but he should come around as time goes on.
- 6628

Actually it's the opposite way around, that's why I'd be more concerned with his ability to win draws. Not worried about his stick handling poke checking etc....

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!!!!!!
- hawk35

Blackhawks = SA Spurs

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??
- EnzoD

I'm not a medical expert but it's my understanding that for things like ligaments and soft tissue injuries it's true they never get back to as strong as before the injury, but in the case of broken bones the healed bone is stronger at the place where the bone healed than before the bone was broken.

I don't know if anyone has mentioned this-- but TT seems to have regained some of his confidence with the arrival of the new players and back at center-- perhaps a combo of the obvious stamp of approval by the FO-- but also there is more room created for him by the style of players that have been acquired-- Fleischman adds veteran skill and they seem to connect and Desi opens up some space with his checking style-- I sense that Weise on that line will take that group further and look for TT to show off more of his skills-- Its not like he isn't still 'soft' in some areas-- he alligator armed a few plays along the boards last night-- its just is less impactful since there are other players who are taking that role-- one that he should never be expected to fill-- he will never be a banger-- Lets hope the Hawks stay healthy-- and we have a fun long run this spring--
- jb3333

He looks like one of those little things players (like AA) who knows how to create space for other guys and can make a quick decision with the puck.

He has drawn some coverage away from TT which has been helpful. It looks like Weise should end up on that line so now you have TT playing with two guys know how to create space and play the game at NHL speed. One with a lot of jam and both with decent enough hands.

That group should be able to victimize the other teams lower lines. Even last night TT didnt look awful going up against Datsyuk when Daytoit tried to pick some match ups.

It was discussed on previous boards, if they can't add a lock down 4th defender then adding competent forwards that would provide some drive in the other direction needed to be a priority. Stan did an excellent job putting them into a position to succeed and the spring should be a lot of fun.

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

I would not say that anyone deserves the Cup, but that CE has sure waited a long time like Zeus and Timo. To be sure, we gotta be excited about a guy who is excited about being here.

I would not say that anyone deserves the Cup, but that CE has sure waited a long time like Zeus and Timo. To be sure, we gotta be excited about a guy who is excited about being here.
- RedFeather

Agreed. Being a model NHLer doesnt mean you deserve the cup... Its not like CE is a HOF lock and has come close but never reached the top. He's a great guy and im glad we added him, but hard to say ANYONE "deserves" a cup. You deserve one by winning one....

Agreed. Being a model NHLer doesnt mean you deserve the cup... Its not like CE is a HOF lock and has come close but never reached the top. He's a great guy and im glad we added him, but hard to say ANYONE "deserves" a cup. You deserve one by winning one....
- gnosox1986

After his Detroit and Penguin days of falling painfully close....Hossa deserved one with the Hawks...Damn it...he deserved THREE.....wait....maybe 4....yes, he deserves at least FOUR!!!!

Little off topic , and may have been discussed last night I did not check . But saw Bob McKenzie say the HAWKS had deals for Bickel at the TD . I personally am glad they did not move him , who knows If we get any injuries he could be nice insurance .And if not bolds well for moving him and his contract at the draft .

Actually it's the opposite way around, that's why I'd be more concerned with his ability to win draws. Not worried about his stick handling poke checking etc....
- walleyeb1

Krueger is a left hand shot, right? If so, his right hand is on top, right?

one thing I love About Pan is he that Puck is on the way to the net so fast and never breaks a stick and seems to get it all and elevate it. That is a skill in itself. If the camera cannot keep up with it, how would the goalie.
- kmw4631

One the most impressive things about Panarin for me (there are so many its hard to choose!) is his strength on the puck and battling along the wall with defenseman MUCH larger than him. He was protecting the puck against big guys last night in Quincey and Eriksson and that is supremely impressive given his stature.

Krueger is a left hand shot, right? If so, his right hand is on top, right?
- 6628

Ya IDK why I was thinking he was a Righty. oops!

Sharp out 1 week w/ Lower Body Injury and Jordie Benn out 1-2 weeks with a lower body injury as well.

Ya IDK why I was thinking he was a Righty. oops!
- EnzoD

It's not 2:10am, right? If so, that means it's 2:10pm, right?. Ha, all good.

Who is that guy wearing 86 the last two games and when did he join the Hawks (rhetorical). I hope he stays for the rest of the season and the playoffs.

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

My concern is also how it affects him winning draws...

Who is that guy wearing 86 the last two games and when did he join the Hawks (rhetorical). I hope he stays for the rest of the season and the playoffs.
- -Doh-

When they but Terivanainen at Center he is a whole different animal ,been saying it for awhile ...

I don't know if anyone has mentioned this-- but TT seems to have regained some of his confidence with the arrival of the new players and back at center-- perhaps a combo of the obvious stamp of approval by the FO-- but also there is more room created for him by the style of players that have been acquired-- Fleischman adds veteran skill and they seem to connect and Desi opens up some space with his checking style-- I sense that Weise on that line will take that group further and look for TT to show off more of his skills-- Its not like he isn't still 'soft' in some areas-- he alligator armed a few plays along the boards last night-- its just is less impactful since there are other players who are taking that role-- one that he should never be expected to fill-- he will never be a banger-- Lets hope the Hawks stay healthy-- and we have a fun long run this spring--
- jb3333

His passing, especially down low in the O-zone has been $$$ of late

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!!!!!!
- hawk35

Helluva run, especially after the Dark Ages lost decade of '97 to '07. UGGGGGH.

Sopel skated that puck in the offensive zone while a couple of guys changed lines and held onto it for seems like 10 seconds, gave it up and had the primary assist on Hossa's Game 5 OT winner vs Nashville. Not many people remember that!
- stan-ley-cups

He a good piece on that club