Bettman wants so badly Minny to win the West (further advances his parity theme) that when they lose the league has to provide a game like last night's. Watch tomorrow, it will be just as ugly.
- powerenforcer

If you keep saying things like that, I'll keep saying:

NBC would much prefer a successful Chicago franchise than one in St. Paul - and Bettman drops to his knees when the network comes into the room - and (unlike with VP Pence) it's not to pray.

And fortunately, enough, the Minnesota Wild continued their epic swoon with yet another homeless yesterday.

Kick em while they're down. Real classy JJ.

Helpful Tip for the Tampa game :

Kucherov is agoraphobic and hates open spaces. If you really want to throw him off his game, give him plenty of room. He thrives under tight coverage.

You can thank me later.
- GalacticStone

But....like....we're just the fans of the team, man. We're not the ones actually playing....

If you keep saying things like that, I'll keep saying:

NBC would much prefer a successful Chicago franchise than one in St. Paul - and Bettman drops to his knees when the network comes into the room - and (unlike with VP Pence) it's not to pray.
- StLBravesFan

Exactly my point. See, Bettman CANNOT just want Chicago to be the successful NHL franchise (when he sells parity via salary cap). He is in a catch-22, make major money with Chicago winning, or be the #4 sports league while trying to sell the network. HE IS FAILING EITHER WAY.

Not sure why, but sure seems that when it comes down to Hawks vs. Rags...

...College FA's choose losing in NY over cups in Chicago.

Who knows...perhaps it'll be different this time.
- ArlingtonRob

Anyone else in mind besides Kevin Hayes and his best friend who followed him, Jimmy Vesey?

Exactly my point. See, Bettman CANNOT just want Chicago to be the successful NHL franchise (when he sells parity via salary cap). He is in a catch-22, make major money with Chicago winning, or be the #4 sports league while trying to sell the network. HE IS FAILING EITHER WAY.
- powerenforcer

Exactly my point. See, Bettman CANNOT just want Chicago to be the successful NHL franchise (when he sells parity via salary cap). He is in a catch-22, make major money with Chicago winning, or be the #4 sports league while trying to sell the network. HE IS FAILING EITHER WAY.
- powerenforcer

All valid points gang. But we all KNOW that the NHL, NBC and yes, even Gary (I'm really much taller than 5'7) Bettman are just DYING for a Chicago-Pittsburgh Final. I would bet that match up would draw the highest rating in the last 20 or so years but a lot of hockey to play before that can happen.

By the way, I wonder if the Pens and their fan base are gnashing their collective teeth over the 6-2 (giving up 4 in the third) loss to the lowly Flyers today?

You guys will come out of the West and challenge the Penguins for the cup! I'll turn my attention to the Dodgers losing to the Cubs in September. Best of luck to you guys!

- arh777

With the never-ending injuries to the pens and a series of ugly potential metro matchups, that dream is fleeting.

Lethargic resting/experimenting team
vs
hungry/salty team.
Also think the origin-I-zation & league were throwing Fla a bone, like in the last game at the Joe.. Everybody was watching last night n the cats are truly underwater in all aspects, marketing, product etc.
That said im always stoked to see Tallon boys succeed

Any idea when Vinny letirria or even Justin Kloos will make their decision on what team they will sign with, I know they can wait until August. Need a bounce back game tonight against Tampa and win tonight and win against pitt should have the hawks winning the central and the west and home ice.

We're rooting for one thing more than any other over the next 7 games: That Breadman doesn't earn his Schedule A Bonus.

Current status:
42 Assists.
10th place is 43.

66 Points.
10th place is 69.

We're rooting for one thing more than any other over the next 7 games: That Breadman doesn't earn his Schedule A Bonus.

Current status:
42 Assists.
10th place is 43.

66 Points.
10th place is 69.
- Cmonalready

He's already earned his Schedule A bonus. I think you mean we're all hoping he doesn't earn his Schedule B bonus.

Cmon, do your current status numbers exclude defensemen, since Panarin earning the bonus requires him being in the top 10 forwards in the various categories?

All valid points gang. But we all KNOW that the NHL, NBC and yes, even Gary (I'm really much taller than 5'7) Bettman are just DYING for a Chicago-Pittsburgh Final. I would bet that match up would draw the highest rating in the last 20 or so years but a lot of hockey to play before that can happen.

By the way, I wonder if the Pens and their fan base are gnashing their collective teeth over the 6-2 (giving up 4 in the third) loss to the lowly Flyers today?
- ILGolfer

No sooner does one of the Pens fans come on here Saturday night to troll us do they get their clocked cleaned yesterday by Philly...ah Karma...looking forward to the game this evening. Pretty nice down here in Tampa. Tampa will come out hard fighting for a playoff spot make no mistake.

Must have been a late night before in Miami

He's already earned his Schedule A bonus. I think you mean we're all hoping he doesn't earn his Schedule B bonus.

Cmon, do your current status numbers exclude defensemen, since Panarin earning the bonus requires him being in the top 10 forwards in the various categories?
- BMWChiFan

And his total bonus possibility is $2.575 million of which $1.725 million is the schedule B bonus. I think AA being out has hurt his production and chances of earning the big bonus.

Part B Bonus update

Panarin - G 42nd, A 11th (one back, however there are four players tied for tenth and two others tied with him) Pts 12th (four points back along with four other players), 20th PPG

And his total bonus possibility is $2.575 million of which $1.725 million is the schedule B bonus. I think AA being out has hurt his production and chances of earning the big bonus.
- walleyeb1

Truly the only good part about the 7-0 drubbing was no points from Pan in a lost game that would have been meaningless. Better for the overall cause! He's already got his $6mil bridge deal locked up, he's going to get paid as a top-6 winger based on his first 1.5 seasons - should be good with this.

Even with his production tailing off since AA went down, he is still producing right above his friend Mr. Tarasenko and his $7.5mil cap hit. Can't complain about that one bit, even when his new contract kicks in.

It's all about value to dollars anymore in this league.

And his total bonus possibility is $2.575 million of which $1.725 million is the schedule B bonus. I think AA being out has hurt his production and chances of earning the big bonus.

Part B Bonus update

Panarin - G 42nd, A 11th (one back, however there are four players tied for tenth and two others tied with him) Pts 12th (four points back along with four other players), 20th PPG
- walleyeb1

Time to Eddie Cicotte him?

From ProHockeyRumors.com, "4) KHL Free Agent Asking Prices – KHL forwards Vadim Shipachyov and Evgeni Dadonov are expected to be highly sought after this summer but teams that are interested better be prepared to pay up. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported on Wednesday that Shipachyov is seeking a contract with an AAV of $5.5MM while Dadonov is looking for $3.5MM per year. Shipachyov was third in KHL scoring with 76 points in 50 games and has yet to play at the NHL level. "

Looks like we can cross Shipachyov off the list of possible FA signings for this summer. Don't think the Hawks can add another player at $5.5 mil, unless other major changes occur.