Folks, it has been awhile, and I appreciate your patience and all the kind words during my injury and absence. This has been the hardest two months of my career. During other injuries, I could see a light at the end of the tunnel. But this time, that light seems a long way off.

I have always bounced back quick from setbacks. But then, I have never suffrered an injury this serious. I don't want to dwell on this for long, since the focus right now is the playoffs. But, maybe it will help you all understand the situation and you won't have to ask me when I'll be ready.

I am skating, lifting and training very hard. Physically, I feel great. I have not done any contact since I got hurt and that does not help my preparation. But, the only way to really create game situations is to play a game. I am doing what I can to stay ready, but medically, I , and my family do not have all the questions answered yet. Until then, I will support the guys and hope for the best. I would like nothing better than to play in the playoffs.

Now, on to the exciting stuff. The games! At 3-1 in the series, we have to be thrilled with the results and we have done it while not really playing our best yet. However, I am not trying to diminish the efforts of our team by any means. No way. The bottom line is we are winning. Gutsy performances by everyone so far. If you have watched the games, you have noticed the intensity is much higher, the physical play has picked up and the mistakes become much more magnified. Trust me when I tell you, these players are real warriors. Not only are they banged up. Playing four games in five nights in the playoffs no less, is a battle of wills.

Many of our players are experiencing their first professional playoff series, and you can see the anxiousness, the nervousness. Of course it is natural. It kills me not to be in there with them. I know my experience would help, but the veterans we have are really stepping up and leading. The most important thing I have learned is a series is not won in the first game or the first minute. Patience and poise are very big in the playoffs. You often hear that it is more like a marathon than a sprint, meaning the series is long and drawn out and those who can pace themselves and endure will be there in the end.

After sitting here tonight, watching the Habs beat the Briuns, I also know the importance of home ice, which Hartford has, especially in game 7. We have a chance to close this team out tomorrow. It is not time for us to have the mindset there are 3 games left. Every game now is game 7. Finish them off! Killer instinct...

Now, we sit by the radio tomorrow, listening to Greg Glynn's every word. I hope the boys finish the deal. Weino

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