It's not a scheme. He has a legitimate condition.

See it from the eyes of Hawk management - and the league office....

Marian Hossa wii be a first ballot hall of famer. Who's gonna say they don't want to see him back on the ice - if he's physically able??

He is considered by all to be a warrior - this is not how he wanted to go out. There is still fire left in him - if he can be ready for the playoffs, I don't see how anyone would stop him.
- dahawks8819

There is no shortage of great things to say about Marian Hossa, that's not in dispute. The idea of only being available every April is a tough sell, regardless.

But not as important as the first period first goal of the contest, so that the other team is chasing the game.

Or the second period goal that gives you a two goal lead, relieving pressure on your goalie.

Or the third period tying goal or one that gives you the lead and the chance to get the ENG.

Hawks are 16th in total goals, 17th in 5x5 goals, 27th in PP goals. They ARE 12th in ENGs.
- StLBravesFan

Well I guess we can agree all goals are important ,but if U are defending a 1 goal lead late in game down a man and trying not to ice the puck .When U can score to end it that is a accomplishment .And usually only certain players are trusted with that reasonability. As Don Cherry said 2 goal lead is the worst .

Until next year, when the league doesn't let the Hossa have LTIR status.
- 6628

Personally think that it would be okay next year if the league removed the Hossa ltir because Hossa came back later this year to help the hawks win their 4th cup. That’s a trade-off I could accept.

Well I guess we can agree all goals are important ,but if U are defending a 1 goal lead late in game down a man and trying not to ice the puck .When U can score to end it that is a accomplishment .And usually only certain players are trusted with that reasonability. As Don Cherry said 2 goal lead is the worst .
- oldduffman

As important as most of us feel about the first goal of the game, I think the next most important one is the third goal of the game when one team has a 2-0 lead. The third goal of the game either makes it 3-0 or 2-1. Big difference between those scores. By extension this then hold true whenever one team has a two goal lead (ie 3-1, or 4-2, 5-3, etc.). Big, big advantage being up three instead of just one.

Goaltending will determine whether they make the playoffs or not. Glass is a nice story, but 3rd or 4th string goaltenders don't often get a team to the Show.
- RickJ

Someone forgot to tell that to Vegas, they’re well on there way.

I think the key thing for the Hawks, like some have said is goaltending, but also (and you can see from the stats) getting to the crease, crashing the net, generating chances from in close.

The Hawks are a good possession team, they can skate pretty well, and they are usually smart at managing the puck, but still too many of their chances from the outside. They need to focus on getting those chances (as Eddie O usually likes to point out) from in between the dots.

On the other side of the coin, they could get a bit tighter on prevention of those high danger chances against. Not an easy task and it helps when Crawford is in there doing his thing and evening the playing field. (generally he is one of the best goalies in facing those high danger type chances)

The Hawks were pretty solid in this regard against the Rangers last game. The top lines especially were getting movement and going to the net. It resulted in two goals and multiple chances. (Schmaltz and Kane nearly buried a couple more) On the flip side, the D was pretty solid. I noticed the Hawks seemed to adjust their strategy a bit and they were defending their blueline more aggressively. I think if they keep playing aggressive like that and they won't have any problem making the playoffs.

Thanks for the patience guys.... new blog:

http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=90104