F'n autocorrect.
- TheTrob

That's why we shouldn't get on anyone about their spelling errors.

For everyone who was asking about wild card matchups at the end of the last thread:

If the season ended today this would be round 1 in the west:



Not bad
- maria_wyeth

those combos will change about 100x over the next month....WC in both confs going down to the last...per usual. Preds have gotten their game together...kings or ducks vs preds...I like that...

Hawks vs aves....I don't like

Gustafsson is definitely not Rundblad - at least in the sense of toughness. Watching him in Rockford, Gustafsson had a bit of a mean streak in the aspect of sticking up for himself when getting pushed around by bigger opposing players.

Rundblad had no spine to speak of.
- EKB13

How could he have a spine when Stan's arm was up his back, propping him up?

Some fun matchups
- howiehandles

That's gonna change... possibly significantly.

Take a look at the ducks remaining schedule. Beyond a cake walk. Very good chance they end up the #1 seed out west over the central winner.

The bottom 4 teams in that division were already terrible and getting worse before they dumped a bunch of roster guys. (well except for Vancouver
)

How could he have a spine when Stan's arm was up his back, propping him up?
- dyoung

I believe that you answered your own question with that post - Rundblad's spine was really Stan's belief in him all along.

those combos will change about 100x over the next month....WC in both confs going down to the last...per usual. Preds have gotten their game together...kings or ducks vs preds...I like that...

Hawks vs aves....I don't like
- bogiedoc

Aves are -12 in goal diff and 22nd in GAA. They don't have the D to threaten the Hawks in a 7 game playoff series.

The playoff picture is definitely way too early to judge at this point. The only sure thing is that the Hawks are going to play a division rival that isn't Winnipeg.

As for the D, I'm willing to bet Q is going to be looking to cycle Erhoff in a platoon with Rozsival toward the playoffs. It makes the most sense and fits the pattern Q seems to like with his vet 6/7th D.

Don't worry about Gus, he is fine. His whole situation seems to be blown out of proportion and based on a lot of conjecture IMO.

That's gonna change... possibly significantly.

Take a look at the ducks remaining schedule. Beyond a cake walk. Very good chance they end up the #1 seed out west over the central winner.

The bottom 4 teams in that division were already terrible and getting worse before they dumped a bunch of roster guys. (well except for Vancouver
)
- Kid_A_Plus

Yeah I know they will change, but I wouldn't hate if they didn't

I think you're right that Ducks end up #1 and I wouldn't be shocked if the Sharks gave the Kings a run for their money either

those combos will change about 100x over the next month....WC in both confs going down to the last...per usual. Preds have gotten their game together...kings or ducks vs preds...I like that...

Hawks vs aves....I don't like
- bogiedoc

Based on what happens you could easily see the Kings falling to 3rd

Based on what happens you could easily see the Kings falling to 3rd
- akuroski

Very possible, but rankings don't matter to the Kings (or Hawks, for that matter). If they're in the dance, they're dangerous.

That's a better pic.

Really want to see what Erhoff has left in the tank. Surprised it's Gus over TVR. Is TVR dinged?
- Quicky72

THX for quick fix Quicky


Ehrhoff will see time on the pp according to Q and he does fit well there.
Big shot, good passer.

I guess 57 is dinged. He could used a night or two off though, just to freshen and heal up.

Mark Lazerus ‏@MarkLazerus 3m3 minutes ago
Christian Ehrhoff will be on the right side of the third pairing with Trevor van Riemsdyk. #Blackhawks

So I guess TVR is fine
- tcmoritz

Like I said....TVR's in


But he could use a freshening pre-playoffs.

I believe that you answered your own question with that post - Rundblad's spine was really Stan's belief in him all along.
- EKB13

EKB13... I'll be at the Grand Rapids Griffins game tonight watching them play your Hogs... Should be a good game. Rockford is a very good team this year. I'm always stoked to watch these teams play. Does Rockford still have that St. Johns guy on defense ? He was impressive last time I saw him play.

I am bummed Andreas Athanasiou is not in the lineup... but you may as well consider him a Red Wing now... (part of the new core). Dude has some serious wheels. I'd say he's at least as fast as Larkin...

I disagree with the notion that Erik Gustafsson is dunzo as a Hawk. First year in NA, the staff really liked his skill level but this isn't really the time to "learn on the job"

I think the older guys gets spotted, he has a nice opportunity to learn from the veterans on the team and when they are "retooling" next year he will have more minutes to get those experience points and level up.

JJ or Mex,

Is there any rumors of groundwork being laid down for off season moves? With the cap "reportedly" going down, I figure we'll be making some changes because of it.

Aves are -12 in goal diff and 22nd in GAA. They don't have the D to threaten the Hawks in a 7 game playoff series.
- Kid_A_Plus

but they have varlomov...who has been a hawk killer...granted regular season and not 7 game series

Aves are -12 in goal diff and 22nd in GAA. They don't have the D to threaten the Hawks in a 7 game playoff series.
- Kid_A_Plus

I still wouldn't want to face them in Rd 1 but there aren't any ez outs.

but they have varlomov...who has been a hawk killer...granted regular season and not 7 game series
- bogiedoc

In a 7 game series, the only team in the West that matches up with the Hawks and can beat them is the Kings. With the recent additions by Stan, I think he has tipped the odds even more in the Hawks advantage provided there are no significant injuries

In a 7 game series, the only team in the West that matches up with the Hawks and can beat them is the Kings. With the recent additions by Stan, I think he has tipped the odds even more in the Hawks advantage provided there are no significant injuries
- furso27

Just beware the hot goalie. Rinne, Varlamov, even Dubnyk have shown the ability. All you need is 4 wins. I'd still put all the money I have (all $6) on the Hawks, but the tender has long been the great equalizer (see Halak against the Caps a few years ago)

I still wouldn't want to face them in Rd 1 but there aren't any ez outs.
- Al

Best to avoid Nashville altogether. By comparison the Avs and Wild are a picnic.

Just beware the hot goalie. Rinne, Varlamov, even Dubnyk have shown the ability. All you need is 4 wins. I'd still put all the money I have (all $6) on the Hawks, but the tender has long been the great equalizer (see Halak against the Caps a few years ago)
- Chunk

I think Crawford has established himself as a money playoff goaltender and will neutralize any other teams "hot" goaltender

Best to avoid Nashville altogether. By comparison the Avs and Wild are a picnic.
- RickJ

I hope we don't have to play the Wild again, just because law of averages they may finally find a way to win against Chicago in the playoffs.

I hope we don't have to play the Wild again, just because law of averages they may finally find a way to win against Chicago in the playoffs.
- breadbag

Using that logic the Buffalo Bills should find a way to beat the Patriots too. Like when - 2030?

I hope we don't have to play the Wild again, just because law of averages they may finally find a way to win against Chicago in the playoffs.
- breadbag

The TDL revamp makes us a NIGHTMARE for any team

The TDL revamp makes us a NIGHTMARE for any team
- philco28

They can carry the puck in or dump, chase and bang with the beef they added.