Random observations from tonight:

I've gotta say, the boys really did look good. By far the best game I've seen live. I can't think of a Hawk that had a bad game. More than anything, they looked HUNGRY. Reverse of the last game against Dallas, the Hawks wanted it more and it was clear. I thought the passing was the best it's been in a while, super crisp tape to tape.

Crawford was stellar, again. Hawks fans had a nice "Corey" chant going, and I saw more signs against the glass for him than other player. Nice to see Crow getting some love.

Man do I love Panarin even more each game. So feisty. Anyone else notice he's always the last off the ice at the end of the game besides Toews? He was one of the last guys off after warm ups, too. The kid has heart. He was joking around with a lot of the players during warm ups, seems like his English is coming along. And holypoop is he strong on his skates. Even my Stars fan friend I was with noticed and commented on how great his cutting back and forth was.

Loved seeing AA get so many points. He's been a difference maker all season for that line but generally in ways that don't make it on the scoreboard. Panarin and Kane have had the "knowing where the other is on the ice at all times" connection pretty much all season but tonight I really noticed that Anisimov does, too. Great anticipation and it looked like he always knew exactly where the other two would want him to be. Those three are dirty. I'm really glad Q has kept AA on the PK even once Keith was back. Really solid addition there. Stan is looking more and more like a genius for getting Anisimov under the gun and then locking him up for a while. Once they have Panarin extended we've got a ridiculously dangerous line for years to come.

I feel like Desi is really quietly having a great season. Shaw-esque compete level and really hustles. I know that line isn't scoring much but I noticed Desi almost every time he was out there. I didn't notice TT as much, either good or bad. I don't think I caught much floating and he had some nice plays. At one point (maybe after AA blocked a shot with his ankle) TT was centering 72 and 88 and I immediately wondered if they are in fact trying to showcase him at center, even for a few shifts.

Beast mode Hossa, Toews playing like Toews, Hammer with some offense =

Who would you guys say is the fastest skater on the team right now?

Does anyone know if these refs were rookies like Thursday? Calling the game super tight, and phantom calls on both teams. Definitely killed the momentum and flow of the game more than once on things that probably should have been let go.

Great win! Anisimov isn´t getting that much attention but he is big reason why Panarin&Kane can do their magik.

***

It will be interesting to see how Stan and co. can keep this thing going in near future. Next year won´t be a problem even though Panarin bonuses will effect on cap. But after next season it comes complicated - again. If they buy out Bickell this year in 2017-2018 buy out cap hit will be 1,5 million and resigned Panarin´s cap hit should be about 4-6 million. That means no Shaw and Kruger with the Hawks anymore. Even if salary cap is around 75 million by then..

Panarin (24), Anisimov (27), Gustafsson (23), Danault (22, turns 23 in a couple weeks), and Rasmussen (25) indirectly replaced...

Saad (23), Sharp (34), Richards (35), Vermette (33) and Oduya (34).

That youth might help them maintain energy deep into the playoffs. The downside is a big drop in experience playing at that level.

TVR (24) and Teuvo (21) have another year of experience. Panik essentially replaces Bickell. Rundblad and Kimmo are gone. Is this team better than last year's?
- 4_in_7

On top of the influx of youth in Chicago, Dano (21) has 2G, 2A in his last 4 games for Rockford. He leads the Ice Hogs in assists per game at 0.53 per and is second in +/- at +15, 3 behind 30-year-old veteran Jake Dowell who has played 14 more games than Marko. He's struggled getting the biscuit in the basket, only scoring 4 times, but some of that may be due to a snake-bitten 5.8% shooting percentage, the lowest of his career to date.

Add in Nick Schmaltz (19, turns 20 in a couple weeks) and Tyler Motte (20) who are both having strong collegiate seasons, Gustav Forsling (19) who has taken it to the next level in Sweden this season and lower ceiling prospects like Ryan Hartman, Vinny Hinostroza and Ville Pokka (all 21), and the Hawks cupboard isn't as bare as it once was perceived after dealing away guys like Johns, Dahlbeck, Paliotta and Nordstrom.

It will be interesting to see how Stan and co. can keep this thing going in near future. Next year won´t be a problem even though Panarin bonuses will effect on cap. But after next season it comes complicated - again. If they buy out Bickell this year in 2017-2018 buy out cap hit will be 1,5 million and resigned Panarin´s cap hit should be about 4-6 million. That means no Shaw and Kruger with the Hawks anymore. Even if salary cap is around 75 million by then..
- MjulQvist

$75 million cap going into the 2017-18 season might be a bit low.

A couple of months ago, Bettman said the cap could go up by $3 million. If that best case scenario happens, the cap will be $74.5 million after this season. But Bettman was wrong last year when he predicted it would rise by as much as $4 mill. It only rose $2.5 million last year from 69 to approx. 71.5 this season.

Let's say Bettman's projection was a little optimistic this year, too, and it only goes up 2.5 again this summer and the summer after that. The cap would then sit at $76.5 million going into 2017-18. And that might be a conservative estimate.

Unless, the Hawks sign Shaw and Kruger to 1-year deals this summer, the decision on re-signing them will have to be made this summer, not the one leading into the 2017-18 season. Interesting to note that Danault, Panik, Sekac and Rasmussen will all be RFAs this summer as well.

But I agree with you, with Gustafsson, Teuvo and Artemi becoming RFAs in 2017, they'll have to keep costs low if they want to keep key role players like Shaw and Krugs.

It will be interesting to see what moves/signings Stan makes going forward.

$75 million cap going into the 2017-18 season might be a bit low.

A couple of months ago, Bettman said the cap could go up by $3 million. If that best case scenario happens, the cap will be $74.5 million after this season. But Bettman was wrong last year when he predicted it would rise by as much as $4 mill. It only rose $2.5 million last year from 69 to approx. 71.5 this season.

Let's say Bettman's projection was a little optimistic this year, too, and it only goes up 2.5 again this summer and the summer after that. The cap would then sit at $76.5 million going into 2017-18. And that might be a conservative estimate.

Unless, the Hawks sign Shaw and Kruger to 1-year deals this summer, the decision on re-signing them will have to be made this summer, not the one leading into the 2017-18 season. Interesting to note that Danault, Panik, Sekac and Rasmussen will all be RFAs this summer as well.

But I agree with you, with Gustafsson, Teuvo and Artemi becoming RFAs in 2017, they'll have to keep costs low if they want to keep key role players like Shaw and Krugs.

It will be interesting to see what moves/signings Stan makes going forward.
- 4_in_7

Even Bettman admitted later that cap could go down next year. We will see what happens. But it will sure be interesting to be a hawk fan in coming years.

The Kid's are gaining confidence now. Moose, Panarin, Gus, Danault, TVR, TT, Panik. Nice. Panarin has some vinegar. I love Danult's game. You just see more and more to like about him every game. Moose is playing Mashinter. He is strong and smart, if not flashy. That is all you need in a 3rd or 4th line player. Panarin...nuff said. I like that TVR gets involved in the office and takes some chances some times. He seems to read the play well and joins or leads the rush from time to time. Also when he joins the rush he will go to the net. The other defenders hang along the boards. I am not sure about TT. He is a really good player, don't get me wrong. I am just not sure if he is going to be star top 6 player. However I am willing to wait a year or two and see. Let him add a few pounds of muscle and gain some courage.

I do not get people that do not value Hossa or Crawford.

Is is just me or has Rosival looked dramatically better in the last few games.

Tip of the hockey helmet to the Bowman's and Q.

Ultimately AA, Dano, Panik for Saad. I remember the first months after the trade and this board was screaming that Bowman misplayed the deal and that he was out traded.

I could be wrong but when Dano comes back up you might see a heck of a player. How about a like of Dano, Danault, and Panik. Dun"no", Dun "no", Panic.

Rematch with Dallas later this week is going to say a lot about both teams.

I write this much positive and do not even mention Kane, Keith, and Seabs.

I need to add one concern. Faceoffs. I just had to.

The Kid's are gaining confidence now. Moose, Panarin, Gus, Danault, TVR, TT, Panik. Nice. Panarin has some vinegar. I love Danult's game. You just see more and more to like about him every game. Moose is playing Mashinter. He is strong and smart, if not flashy. That is all you need in a 3rd or 4th line player. Panarin...nuff said. I like that TVR gets involved in the office and takes some chances some times. He seems to read the play well and joins or leads the rush from time to time. Also when he joins the rush he will go to the net. The other defenders hang along the boards. I am not sure about TT. He is a really good player, don't get me wrong. I am just not sure if he is going to be star top 6 player. However I am willing to wait a year or two and see. Let him add a few pounds of muscle and gain some courage.

I do not get people that do not value Hossa or Crawford.

Is is just me or has Rosival looked dramatically better in the last few games.

Tip of the hockey helmet to the Bowman's and Q.

Ultimately AA, Dano, Panik for Saad. I remember the first months after the trade and this board was screaming that Bowman misplayed the deal and that he was out traded.

I could be wrong but when Dano comes back up you might see a heck of a player. How about a like of Dano, Danault, and Panik. Dun"no", Dun "no", Panic.

Rematch with Dallas later this week is going to say a lot about both teams.

I write this much positive and do not even mention Kane, Keith, and Seabs.

I need to add one concern. Faceoffs. I just had to.
- -Doh-

It´s still too early to tell. Maybe it is good for him to learn playing well d first and maybe flourish offensively later. TT is suited to be rw and when you have players named Kane and Hossa playing that side that leaves him playing in third line. But he did pretty well with Sharp and Vermette. Nothing against Desi and Danault but they aren´t as good offensively which might keep TT´s points low also.

Jees what a win tonight.

Just a thought on potential:
Kane: Ross and Hart
Panarin: Calder
Crawford: vezina
Toews: Selke
Conn: Crawford
Mr.Stanley: Chicago

Not bad for a "rebuilding" year I guess.
- hawkitect

Not a chance. Our local Caps commentators Al Koken and Co already handed Vezna and MVP to Holtby with runner ups Ovie and Kuznetsov😂.
On serious note, road to Stanley will go through LA and they will not be snoozing like last year. I am glad Hawks are really trying to come first in division and avoid first round with Blues, last wild card should provide for easier matchup like Winnipeg to Ducks last year.

Not a chance. Our local Caps commentators Al Koken and Co already handed Vezna and MVP to Holtby with runner ups Ovie and Kuznetsov😂.
On serious note, road to Stanley will go through LA and they will not be snoozing like last year. I am glad Hawks are really trying to come first in division and avoid first round with Blues, last wild card should provide for easier matchup like Winnipeg to Ducks last year.
- vshun

Not sure you can say this with confidence...I personally don't think it's a given. The only thing I consider a given...LA will make the playoffs.

Forgive me if this has been asked or discussed already, but what is going on with Gustafsson? Only 12 minutes last night. Did he catch the bug, also? I only saw the third period, and the tail end of the second last night.

Forgive me if this has been asked or discussed already, but what is going on with Gustafsson? Only 12 minutes last night. Did he catch the bug, also? I only saw the third period, and the tail end of the second last night.
- 333inthe3rd

12 minutes last night, TVR (18:27) Rozi (18:29), and Gus got 10 minutes v Arizona. Don't know if it's illness or ineffectiveness but IMO the kid has had a rough 3-4 game stretch, especially with the puck. But I thought he looked solid last night, especially with the puck v a fast Stars club.

I hope it's illness.

Rozi looked refreshed and had some nice jump.

Not sure what anyone could discern from the Icehog game last night.

9-1 Griffins at Rockford...most lopsided lose in years.

Oh...and the Hogs scored the first goal.
- ArlingtonRob

That was a painful game to watch.

The Griffins can credit AHL Ref Shaun Davis for the first 3 or 4 goals. That (frank)er doesn't like Rockford for some reason, and always calls a one-sided game against the Hogs. I especially loved Davis' call on the Griffin's Colin Campbell, who tripped Kero down in the far corner, and Kero went crashing into the boards. Davis assessed a matching embellishment penalty on Kero. It was complete bullpoop, and like that most of the night.

Last night's effort in Grand Rapids was much better. OT loss, but I'm happy the Hogs salvaged a point out of it.

12 minutes last night, TVR (18:27) Rozi (18:29), and Gus got 10 minutes v Arizona. Don't know if it's illness or ineffectiveness but IMO the kid has had a rough 3-4 game stretch, especially with the puck. But I thought he looked solid last night, especially with the puck v a fast Stars club.

I hope it's illness.

Rozi looked refreshed and had some nice jump.
- Mr Ricochet

Gus had no TOI on the PK, only about 1 minute on the PP - and there were a lot of both.

He had over 11 minutes of the 41 total 5X5 minutes - about the right percentage for a 5/6 defenseman.

Random observations from tonight:

I've gotta say, the boys really did look good. By far the best game I've seen live. I can't think of a Hawk that had a bad game. More than anything, they looked HUNGRY. Reverse of the last game against Dallas, the Hawks wanted it more and it was clear. I thought the passing was the best it's been in a while, super crisp tape to tape.

Crawford was stellar, again. Hawks fans had a nice "Corey" chant going, and I saw more signs against the glass for him than other player. Nice to see Crow getting some love.

Man do I love Panarin even more each game. So feisty. Anyone else notice he's always the last off the ice at the end of the game besides Toews? He was one of the last guys off after warm ups, too. The kid has heart. He was joking around with a lot of the players during warm ups, seems like his English is coming along. And holypoop is he strong on his skates. Even my Stars fan friend I was with noticed and commented on how great his cutting back and forth was.

Loved seeing AA get so many points. He's been a difference maker all season for that line but generally in ways that don't make it on the scoreboard. Panarin and Kane have had the "knowing where the other is on the ice at all times" connection pretty much all season but tonight I really noticed that Anisimov does, too. Great anticipation and it looked like he always knew exactly where the other two would want him to be. Those three are dirty. I'm really glad Q has kept AA on the PK even once Keith was back. Really solid addition there. Stan is looking more and more like a genius for getting Anisimov under the gun and then locking him up for a while. Once they have Panarin extended we've got a ridiculously dangerous line for years to come.

I feel like Desi is really quietly having a great season. Shaw-esque compete level and really hustles. I know that line isn't scoring much but I noticed Desi almost every time he was out there. I didn't notice TT as much, either good or bad. I don't think I caught much floating and he had some nice plays. At one point (maybe after AA blocked a shot with his ankle) TT was centering 72 and 88 and I immediately wondered if they are in fact trying to showcase him at center, even for a few shifts.

Beast mode Hossa, Toews playing like Toews, Hammer with some offense =

Who would you guys say is the fastest skater on the team right now?

Does anyone know if these refs were rookies like Thursday? Calling the game super tight, and phantom calls on both teams. Definitely killed the momentum and flow of the game more than once on things that probably should have been let go.
- maria_wyeth

Tough to take in the whole of a game when taken in live but you saw quite a few intricacies. Nice post....

Indeed the Hawks look hungry and when they are they are a load. Add they are rested and it seems all players are slotted correctly allowing for chemistry to be built. For as good a record as they built early this team was still being "felt out" by Q and reason would have it they would improve once Q figured it out. Seems they have and are firing on nearly all cylinders.

AA is built for the playoffs. Big dude, 200 ft player, north-south with the skill to zig, sets up in the crease, works the walls and hopefully has figured it out at the dot (58% last night on 11 wins although 33% at AZ and 41% at Rado). As you mention the scoresheet doesn't show his value but the proof is in that lines domination.... Indeed, great foresight to sign the 27 yr old long term before ever skating in a Hawk's jersey.

Thought TT had a nice game. No alligator arms, some jump and engagement with the stick allowed him to break up a lot of plays and keep ones alive as well. Watch him live and you can see he usually has his weight leaning to the defensive side. That's a good think IMO but with his IQ hopefully he can identify more offensive chances instead of having tunnel vision to the D side of the puck.

IMO Hossa is now the fastest Hawk now that Garbutt was whacked by Q. But what has always amazed me about Hossa is that he is faster coming back, especially when stripped, than going on the offense. A true 200 foot player as he backchecks like a demon with his hair on fire.

Wanna add that IMO Denault and Rasmussen have found some answers, are more comfortable. Still see Denault's skating as better than I remembered or read about and his tenacity is as advertised. Nice player and is figuring it out.

Rasmussen with his size north south style is a great fit on the 4th line. Great job to draw that penalty along the boards as he battled 2-3 Stars entering the offensive zone.

Gus had no TOI on the PK, only about 1 minute on the PP - and there were a lot of both.

He had over 11 minutes of the 41 total 5X5 minutes - about the right percentage for a 5/6 defenseman.
- StLBravesFan

Agreed with the special teams getting a lot on minutes but the hope is Gus is the #4 Dman. He's still figuring it out IMO but one has to like his skating and hands.

Forgive me if this has been asked or discussed already, but what is going on with Gustafsson? Only 12 minutes last night. Did he catch the bug, also? I only saw the third period, and the tail end of the second last night.
- 333inthe3rd

Either hit a wall and/or he was sick. Definitely looks a step slower and behind.

Gus had no TOI on the PK, only about 1 minute on the PP - and there were a lot of both.

He had over 11 minutes of the 41 total 5X5 minutes - about the right percentage for a 5/6 defenseman.
- StLBravesFan[/quote]

Which would be great if that's what he was being used as. I see your point. His minutes haven't fallen off a cliff. Setting minutes and situations aside, he looks a step slower (right now) and struggling a bit more to clear his own end.

My guess (and I think I heard in passing) is he was sick too.

Either hit a wall and/or he was sick. Definitely looks a step slower and behind.
- John Jaeckel

Been a rough winter lots of bugs going around. I was diagnosed with Whopping Cough around Thanksgiving...took almost a month to get rid of it. Really sucked.

Let's hope he's just got some bug.

Still hopeful we're looking at both a #1LW and a dman...

Big week coming up...Sharks, Stars and the Ducks.

How bout those Stars huh...

http://sportsday.dallasne...ed-us-front-fans-building

JJ is new blog a comin?????????

Either hit a wall and/or he was sick. Definitely looks a step slower and behind.
- John Jaeckel

Looks like a guy who lost some confidence and is thinking more than reacting

Looks like a guy who lost some confidence and is thinking more than reacting
- molly2522

Yeah, it's noticeable. He is still learning and I honestly believe that it'd be a mistake to trade him. Can't afford to lose him.

This will be the 3rd time the Hawks will get a chance to repeat. At a party last night but every time I peaked into the Hawks game there was no space in the ice for the Stars. That breakaway goal by AA what a beast.

I worry a bit about the face offs, not worried about the rookies I believe they will hold their own during the playoffs. The core now has life experience on how difficult it is to repeat, with all these factors and they are in a great playoff position I am really getting excited about a legitimate chance at a repeat.

Oh yeah and there's this overlooked guy by the name of Corey who's playing the best hockey he's ever played

GO BLACKHAWKS!!!!!!

The next 5 games looks like a playoff schedule, game every other day, it'll be very interesting to see how the Stars push back Thursday night.

From Wikipedia:

Saint Louis University once fielded a NCAA Division I hockey program that played in the CCHA from the 1970–1971 season until the program ended in 1979. The team was a strong team in the CCHA and over the nine seasons of play SLU made the championship six times.
- scottak[9]

My dad did say they were a good team. Thanks for the info.

Been a rough winter lots of bugs going around. I was diagnosed with Whopping Cough around Thanksgiving...took almost a month to get rid of it. Really sucked.

Let's hope he's just got some bug.

Still hopeful we're looking at both a #1LW and a dman...

Big week coming up...Sharks, Stars and the Ducks.

How bout those Stars huh...

http://sportsday.dallasne...ed-us-front-fans-building
- DK002

Had to laugh when just under the headline was a picture full of red jerseys. The players have commented on how much they enjoy having large numbers of their own fans in almost every building. They definitely see and, more importantly, hear it.

Maria - Thanks for the details on what you saw. Panarin has now made it his routine to be 2nd-to-last off the ice after warmups, running for the exit just before Kane does his puck toss. Those two are brothers from another mother.