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March 23, 1:00 PM ET
Chat with Jesse Rogers

Jesse Rogers
  (1:04 PM)

Hi all. Welcome to our weekly Hawks chat. Im at the United Center where the Hawks will take on the Panthers tonight with Marcus Kruger making his debut. Ive talked about him before in these chats. The Hawks are high on him. Hell skate with Bickell and Brouwer. Campbell is likely to away with questions...

Joe (Indian Head Park)

Any talk about adding Exelby or Cullimore from Rockford for defensive security in case someone get injured?

Jesse Rogers
  (1:05 PM)

Not seasons end they will be for playoff security but they like how scott has filled in and I dont blame them...for a 6-10 min guy hes been that campbell is back, scott is back to being thier insurance up front and on the back end

Jac (Chicago)

Why are they being so secretive about Sharp? To me this makes it seem like its a pretty serious injury. What about The Rat too, when's he coming back?

Jesse Rogers
  (1:06 PM)

The Hawks dont like to announce things until they have to and the team had the day off on Monday. Actually since ist not real serious, it made sense they waited to update until tues. if he was out for the yr with surgery we would have heard about it. No one knows, including the hawks, when bolland will be back .Simple as that. There is no timetable on concussions

Ryan (On the edge)

What can we expect from Kruger? Defensive minded? Offense a little of both.. or not much from the start?

Jesse Rogers
  (1:08 PM)

A little of both but I think being aware defensively will be first and foremost...Its not like he, Bickell and Brouwer are going to be like toews or frolik's line so I think they want him to start slow and just not get scored on or schooled all over the ice but play instinctually...

Steve (St. Louis)

Which two Western Conference teams on the playoff bubble will not reach the playoffs?

Jesse Rogers
  (1:09 PM)

I think calgary does not make it...Tough call between dallas and Anaheim...both have hung around longer than I thought they would...Ill say Dallas makes it

Dave B. (Chicago)

Who do you feel has been the best pickup for the Hawks during this year? Michael Frolik, Ryan Johnson or Chris Campoli?

Jesse Rogers
  (1:10 PM)

Its close between Johnson and campoli...Campoli could end up being the best but right now Ill go with johnson..things really solidified when he started going on all cylinders..huge

Grant (Wheaton)

Is it an advantage or disadvantage for the Hawks to have all the days off in between games lately?

Jesse Rogers
  (1:11 PM) is big at this time of yr. Have to get the points now because last week of season will be hellish

Dan Raspatello (Chicago)

One more nerdy question: Can you give us your projection for the hawks projected lines during the bolland/sharp injuries? Thanks.

Jesse Rogers
  (1:12 PM)

Not that ive seen kruger skate, this is what it look like:Stalberg/Toews/KaneKopy/Frolik/HossaBickell/Kruger/BrouwerPisani/Johnson/Dowell

Steve (St. Louis)

Why not bring Morin up in Sharp's absence?

Jesse Rogers
  (1:13 PM)

Morin is hurt..believe concussion type timetable..hate the word concussion

David E (Stamford CT)

Curious if you can comment on Hammer...It seems when he decides to play physical he can inflict some hits, hes big and strong and knows how to position his body for a hit...but he does not seem comfortable being known as a physical defenseman...any idea why? Do his teammates encourage or discourage that type of play? Was thinking maybe playing that way encourages other teams to go after him...and that leads to a shorter career??

Jesse Rogers
  (1:14 PM)

No, I think youre reading too much into it..I thinnk he's physical when it presents, he has been banged up so maybe you see him backing off, if thats what he's doing, but I dont think there is a consious decision either way really...def nothing from his teammates

Sean (Boston)

Have you heard anymore about Kruger than we have already?

Jesse Rogers
  (1:15 PM)

Not sure what you've heard...captain type of guy..really took charge of his team in like...little things well..will be thier 2nd line center maybe as soon as next yr IF he progresses the right way..

keith (downers grove)

Should the Hawks finish in the 7th or 8th seed they would likely face Vancouver or Detroit in the first round... Which matchup do you like better?

Jesse Rogers
  (1:19 PM)

Im going to say Vancouver...Malhotra loss is big and they simply love to play up there and have no intimidation factor at all..Id like it better with Bolland on Sedin but det. is too much like the hawks in terms of history has to mean something..and I dont care about the 110 points they will amass. means nothing come playoffs

Matt (Crown Point)

How come we haven't seen Beach called up this year? He is supposeto be one of our top prospects.

Jesse Rogers
  (1:19 PM)

Simple. Hes not ready

Kevin (chicago)

How does the hawks schedule match up against the other playoff hopefuls?

Jesse Rogers
  (1:20 PM)

Its one of the tougher ones,esecpailly with that last week and 3 of final 8 against det. BUT they have 4 against the east so little easier to amass points that way by getting to overtime, etc. I Would be very surprised if they dont get in

Bryan (Chi-town)

JR - Even with the injuries, the hawks have been playing well of late, whereas the Wings have not. Can the hawks catch them to secure a spot in the top 3?

Jesse Rogers
  (1:20 PM)

No chance

Ryan (On the edge)

It seems like ever since Frolik switched to center he has been playing much better/confident, does that have to do with the confidence in the position or just getting used to his surroundings and the line he is playing on?

Jesse Rogers
  (1:21 PM)

Surroundings for sure..I think he'd prefer wing and he'll find his way back there I believe.

Brian (Chicago)

What is the latest on Patrick Sharp?

Jesse Rogers
  (1:22 PM)

Nothing new from yesterday..hes looking at a couple to three week recovery..obviously if they get real close to shoring up a playoff spot they prob hold him back some

Pete (Madhouse On Madison)

With Toews playing the best hockey of just about any player in the league this 2nd half, is there a chance he could be the favorite to win MVP?

Jesse Rogers
  (1:23 PM)

Dobut it...not enough points but one of the finalists is a real possiblity..wont be the fav

Chris (Lockport)

Did you see Kruger skate today? What can you tell us about him?

Jesse Rogers
  (1:24 PM)

Slick and pretty quick is what I got. Nifty with the puck. Smallish. Hard to tell more than that. Supposed to be real smart..High IQ. We'll see. Getting a lot of Kruger questions..thats what I know...

Adam (San Diego)

What'd you think of the atmosphere at the game on Sunday night? I thought I was in West Chicago...

Jesse Rogers
  (1:25 PM)

That was pretty amazing...Phoenix and Tampa bay just recently (or was it fla) can remember were two of the louder hawk crowds Ive ever seen on the road...the singers during the anthem must be shocked..Ive got to interview one of them some time..sunday was the best Ive seen...

Jon (Genoa)

How realistic is home ice for the Blackhawks right now?

Jesse Rogers
  (1:26 PM)

I think the schedule is going to be too tough for that..phoenix playing well...long homestand going...5 or 6 seed is my guess for hawks

Phil (Chicago )

Not to overlook another Stanley Cup run, but how about a look at these lines for next year. Thoughts? Sharp/Toews/Kane....Morin/Kruger/Hossa.....Bickell/Bolland/Brouwer.....Stalberg/Dowell/Beach

Alexandra (Miller)

Since Sharp went down with the injury have you noticed any difference in the team in regards to being worried after losing their top scorer? Obviously they will tell the media "other guys need to step up" but wasn't sure if you noticed any let down in the team.

Jesse Rogers
  (1:29 PM)

No. They are conditioned to move on except in extreme situations..they can survive sharp..he's a streaky scorer so just pretend he's on a bad streak. lol. But they can. Bolland is more difficult come playoffs especially. Plsu, they know sharp is back sooner rather than later

Tony (NW Illinois)

What are the chances of Marty Turco getting any action before the Playoffs?

Jesse Rogers
  (1:30 PM)

Maybe a game...2 at most..maybe none...there is no by day

Spencer (Aledo, IL)

With Sharp out, can we expect Brouwer to fill in on the top line?

Jesse Rogers
  (1:31 PM)

No, it will be Stalberg. Read my blogs from yesterday! everything you need to know in there!

Jon (Genoa)

By bringing Kruger to Chicago, have they burned a year off his entry level deal, or was it already in effect?

Jesse Rogers
  (1:32 PM)

It was burned off no matter what..he would be in his second yr next year no matter what

Mark (Underground Bunker)

Who will wear the A in place of Sharpie?

Jesse Rogers
  (1:32 PM)

Not a bad question...dont know..but Seabrook did last time

Brian (Lockport)

What do you think Turco's plans are after this season? Free agency or retirement?

Jesse Rogers
  (1:32 PM)

He wants to play as far as last time I talked to him about it

Frank (Naperville)

If you were the NHL disciplinarian what's the length of suspension you would have given Pavel Kubina for his hit on Bolland? 3 games seems pretty paltry when Bolland is out indefinitely.

Jesse Rogers
  (1:35 PM)

Stan Bowman talked about this..its a very difficult situation..easy to say he's out as long as Bolland but that becomes sticky..what if its accidental..what if he hi-sticks him and takes out an eye. then they have to start deciding whats on purpose and what accidental even more...bowman said he was ok with 3 games..things arent always fair but its a tough spot for league.

Ryan (On the edge)

This is for the future but what do you see with our goalie situation for next year. I believe crow is a FA and turco's deal is up. resign crow and bring up hannu? or salak?

Jesse Rogers
  (1:36 PM)

Ive said before I think they will re-sign crow for longterm and have a big, 500k back-up..not sure from within..might be from outside..too early to tell

Tyler (Burbs)

How hard of an adjustment will it be for Kruger to come from the playing style in Sweden to the NHL?

Jesse Rogers
  (1:37 PM)

Smaller rink will be the biggest adjustment..not as much room to maneuver..boards come up quickly so he has to be ready...will be intereseting

Ron (Skokie)

In watching Corey Crawford develop, it seems like he is unusually strong positionally for a young goalie, which seems to be borne out by his excellent save percentage and goal against average. However, it seems that he tends to give up more than his share of bad rebounds, which puts pressure on the Hawks defense. Is this something coaching and experience will cure?

Jesse Rogers
  (1:38 PM)

That can happen to any goaltender..I think he's ok in that dept. Fatigue can do that to a guy but generally I think hes pretty good about rebounds

Matej (Springfield)

I really like what Kopy brings to the team even though there are so many people that hate on him. Do you see any chance of him being around next year?

Jesse Rogers
  (1:39 PM)

That is a tough, tough call..My inital thought is no he wont be around...but there are Id just say less than 40 percent

Mike (Chicago)

What is the protocol of wingers and defenseman switching sides? You mentioned in a article recently that Hossa maybe should move to left wing as the veteran on a Hossa/Toews/Kane line, but it seems rookie Nick Leddy moves to whatever side is needed to match is defensive partner.

Jesse Rogers
  (1:40 PM)

They dont like Leddy having to do that but you have to do what you have to do...people do it but its not ideal, especially the longer youve played on one side hence hossa and kane not really loving it..

Oscar (Huddinge, Sweden)

When I was younger i was the goalie for Krugers youth team, he would make the most amazing passes, just when you thaught you outplayed him he would make a blind pass out of nowhere and get a assist, in waht lineup do you expect him to be in?

Jesse Rogers
  (1:41 PM)

Nice. Thanks for the report. Ive heard that many times about him...hes between bickell and brouwer

Charlie (Cube)

Is it possible for the Hawks to not make the playoffs?

Jesse Rogers
  (1:42 PM)

Of course but i dont see it happeneing

Tyler (Burbs)

Campoli seems to jump in to the offensive action which has led to a lot of goals, why dont we see guys like Hammer and Keith do it more often?

Jesse Rogers
  (1:42 PM)

Keith will...hammer rarely..its just the makeup of each individual..thats campoli's game..hammer isnt there yet and may never be

Erik (SF, CA)

Can you describe the perameters of being 'on loan' to another team? I read where Kruger was on loan to his Swedish team. I also saw where Seabs brother is on loan to the Vancouver farm team, even though he played most of the year in the Flames organization. Does the team who holds rights still pay salary? In Kruger's case, had he stayed in SWE, would the year count as a year against the entry level deal?

Jesse Rogers
  (1:44 PM)

Too long and complicated to go into it all..but Kruger was/is under contract to the Hawks..there are loan agreements with ech league..he didnt want to come play here so they "loaned" him to sweden..they paid his salary (whatever he negotiated with him) now the hawks will pay him. and yes, the yr counts.

Andrew Pajak (Tinley Park)

Could we see Igor Makarov or Jermey Morin on the team next season?

Jesse Rogers
  (1:45 PM)

Yes, very well could

Erik (Boston)

This may be dumb but, do nhl teams get to expand playoff rosters like other sports do, if so who do you see as possible contributers to the big club..

Jesse Rogers
  (1:46 PM)

Yes, roster expanded now in fact but in playoffs there is no salary cap so can bring up a bunch..If morin is healthy, I can see him here..exelby and cullimore on D or maybe cullimore and one other...another forward on offense..maybe a center like pirri or winger like ben smith...last yr. skille, cullimore, and a few others were here but didnt play

Matt (Des Moines)

Would'nt Kru be more suited for a second line role than playing on the third line. I know its a tough second line to break up right now but what are your thoughts on a frolik-kru-hossa line. Lets go KRU

Jesse Rogers
  (1:47 PM)

It will happen at some point..hes fine as a 3rd line issue breaking him in there..if he shows something he moves up, otherwise next yr..between him and bolland, there are 2 and 3 centers

Dan R. (Chicago)

Froelik seems to be better at wing. What do you think of a move back to Center for him?

Jesse Rogers
  (1:48 PM)

I think if Kruger is decent it will happen...maybe even sooner...johnson and dowell are both on the same line now so one could always move but neither is suited to be a top 6 centerman

Jen (VA)

Any chance we can re-sign RJ next year? He's been a great asset for the 4th line. So nice to someone else strong in the FOs.

Jesse Rogers
  (1:49 PM)

Maybe..depends on $$

Phil (Lake zurich)

The hawks are to______like the ice girls are to______

Jesse Rogers
  (1:49 PM)

vancouver respect..make sense?

Eric (Oak Lawn)

chris campoli really seems to fit on this team what are the odds he comes back next year?

Jesse Rogers
  (1:51 PM)

I think pretty good but the cap might have a say in that..stan made a point of saying he wasnt just a rental..didnt have to say anything about that so the fact that he brough it up means mnaybe he is here but they are paying their blueline a ton...if one gets traded then hes here for sure

Ryan K (Elgin)

If Kruger is as good as advertised, does that make Bolland expendable next year?

Jesse Rogers
  (1:52 PM)

On paper yes but you can never have enough centers and man is bolly valuable for shutdown purposes BUT it might be a luxury they cant keep...again, have to see how offseason plays out

Sam (Glenview)

I'm just curious, when a player such as Sharp is injuered, what do they do with their time - are they still at practices, etc, or are they on their own?

Jesse Rogers
  (1:53 PM)

They are around the team going through rehab sessions etc. But not around game time...they're here but arent in on the meetings and stuff..if they can workout, most get a workout in during the game..otherwise they watch like the rest of us but they are around the team

Taylor (Chicago)

Is the salary cap going up next year, or is that something I'm making up?

Jesse Rogers
  (1:54 PM)

Suppose to go up a little..but thats just a rumor...but think it will

Nino (work)

Who will be gritty Burish-Eager-Ladd guy on this team? I don't see anyone like that on the roster.

Jesse Rogers
  (1:55 PM)

They dont have as much in that dept for sure..Kopy comes close when he plays edgy..stalberg was coming around to that role but both those guys are top 6 now...dowell should be the guy to play more edgy, espceially now that hes at wing

Adam (San Diego)

From what I'm reading the cap will be going up a bit next year because the NHL is in line to sign a new television deal. What are the chances of ESPN some how getting more involved in the NHL again? Other than you there isn't a lot of good hockey reporting going on in these parts.

Jesse Rogers
  (1:56 PM)

Well thanks but I dont think its going to happen. bettman likes being a big fish in a small pond (versus) rather than the other way around on ESPN.

Tyler (Burbs)

Kope has been in the back ground lately when it comes to scoring, is there any simple explanation to it or is it just a slump?

Jesse Rogers
  (1:57 PM)

He was on the 4th line there for a while so its going to be harder..but now back with hossa, etc. he needs to produce some more

Amy (Joliet)

I have to say, I'm a big fan of the Eastern European line we currently have with Kopy/Frolik/Hoss. With Kruger coming in now, do you think we'll see that line stick around? Or will Kopy go back down to 3rd/4th line?

Jesse Rogers
  (1:58 PM)

If kruger progresses...I think he moves up..kopy is a short term 2nd line guy in my opinion

Lei (gurnee)

Why is everyone assuming a playoff spot? Their leading goal scorer is out, best defensive center is out, they're a point out of 9th and their schedule to close out is tough.

Jesse Rogers
  (2:00 PM)

I dont think everyone is...I kind of am..I think they are in a good position..I dont think that last week will kill them..I think they will be in a positin to go basically .500 in that last week and be ok...give or 2 games are HUGE..cant trip against tongiht for sure..and then anaheim obviosu these 2 and you have a little leeway..a little

Adam (Chicago)

You reported that Burish was injured with a broken foot, which the Stars have shot down. What's up with that?

Jesse Rogers
  (2:01 PM)

Thats what he was telling people..i thought it was common knowledge..he blocked a shot..played like 2 games on it and then got an x-ray and found a crack so maybe splitting hairs but thats what happened

BK Lounge (Minneapolis)

Because we have Toews.

Jesse Rogers
  (2:02 PM)

That's the answer to the playoff question I assume. i agree

Andrew (Calgary)

Jesse, If Kruger can do a job as either a 2nd/3rd line center I feel the Hawks will be set down the middle for the next 3-4 years with Toews and Bolland. The question then becomes what are we going to do with our wingers this Summer? Brouwer and Kopecky are both in line for raises of at least double what they are making now and I don't see how, with Crawford being the priority to sign we can fit both of these wingers in? If you had to chose which one would you keep? I keep Kopy because of his versatility but equally as important Brouwer is an RFA so you can get something in a trade for him where if we lose Kopy it's for nothing.

Jesse Rogers
  (2:04 PM)

Thats the thing..kopy can walk, browuer I just envision brouwer here one way or another since he'll have less options or leverage

Brian (Montana)

Jesse, I'm tired of hearing the "repeat offender" cliche used to determine how many games a player should be penalized for blatent illegal hits. Am I the only one who saw the suspension for the Kubina hit on Bolland a light one? Was that not a blatent blow to the head of an unsuspecting player and isn't that what the NHL has said is unacceptable? What is your take on it?

Jesse Rogers
  (2:06 PM)

I absolutely agree with your first thought..Its like the league is saying you get a "free pass" on your first matter how severe or dirty they will lighten for lack of history..dont really like for kubina, ya know I talked to sharp and he is one guy that says you cant put all blame on each player..the game is fast and kubina kind of missed the real hit and went by and got his arms almost defended the accidental nature of the severity...I dont agree but the point is there is a grey area..tough call..3 games is pretty good but bottom line 10 games would send stronger messgaes..repeat offender or not

Spencer (Aledo, IL)

Are there any plans to give Crawford a bit of a break before the playoffs begin?

Jesse Rogers
  (2:07 PM)

No "plans". if he needs it he gets it or if they clinch etc.

Spencer (Aledo, IL)

Jesse, what can Hawks fans expect from Kruger? If you could compare his play to that of another player, who would it be?

Jesse Rogers
  (2:07 PM)

I wrote yesterday "baby toews" just in the fact that he does everything "right". angles to pucks, board battles, etc. not sure if we'll see it tonight but thats his game

Jen (Rockford)

Who's decision is it to keep all the injury info so limited, with all the "upper body", "lower body" hullaballoo? Is that just something Q prefers to do or does that come from farther up in management with Bowman or McDonough, even?

Jesse Rogers
  (2:09 PM)

Dont get me started. The league allows it and the Hawks hold to it pretty strict...MOST teams do but not all..Most of it is silly if you ask me..Like we dont know what happened to sharp and Bolland..the hawks rule is we cant interivew these guys unless they practice which is also silly..but thats just my opinion.

Andrew (Calgary)

Jesse, I have tried to figure out how LTIR affects the cap both this and year and next and just can't get my head around it. It would seem that there is no penalties for going over the cap if you are eating up LTIR replacement money so why is Stan the only GM with a cap limit team to not use this function? Calgary, Vancouver, Boston, Phily are all using it but Stan won't? Is there method behind this madness?

Jesse Rogers
  (2:12 PM)

Yes...he doesnt need to. You dont save anything. Its not about that..Its about replacing the injured player with another one...if they are at the cap and they have a 3.5 mil player sitting arond somehwere, they can put bolland on IR and replace him...but they dont have anyone like that..they have what they want/need a the NHL level...YOU DONT SAVE A DIME PUTTING A GUY ON IR OR LTIR...and trust me-and im not being a homer--stan and his staff know how to use that cap just as well as thosae other guys...


Without the services of Sharp and Bolland for the season, who do u think will step up and generate offense Stalberg, Brouwer or Bickell or combination of the three, looks like Campbell will be back today that helps the back end

Jesse Rogers
  (2:13 PM)

Obviously Stalberg should get something playing with Kane and Toews...but he wont last long there id he isnt working hard..should be interesting..both Q and Stan say hes improved his game enough to deserve another shot there

Tom (Chicago)

Do you think Mike Haviland gets a HC job next year?

Jesse Rogers
  (2:14 PM)

Hmm..tough call..getting very close but Ill say not yet...but very close

Keith (Waupaca Bowl)

What number is Kruger gonna wear?

Jesse Rogers
  (2:14 PM)


Jesse Rogers
  (2:17 PM)

Thats going to do it for today...Thanks for all the questions...if I missed yours email me at me on twitter for the stretch run @espnchihawks. make sure you check out my blog after games. will detail kruger;s debut..real interesing..this doesnt happen everyday in NHL..dropping a guy into the mix from europe with 10 games to go..thanks again. talk to you tongiht on twitter and next week on our Hawks chat