I don't see the Hawks as a playoff team. As PT winners the last two years we know all about regular season teams. You don't have Byfuglien Ladd Brouwer Eager and that toughness anymore.

I know that you can roll out 3 good lines but if history is any indication of how the playoffs are reffed with clutching grabbing and fighting , Chi are not the top team
- VANTEL

Hawks were in a similar spot before the playoffs in 2010. Tons of questions about goaltending, defense and toughness. The 2013 team can't be compared to that team especially since it hasn't won anything. Could they make a run? Sure. Could they lose early? Yes. We will see. Bottom line is, they have as good of a shot as anyone and most of the players on this team know what it takes to get there.

For the life of me I can't figure out why CHI hired Kompon after the abject failure that was the LA powerplay last year.
- cryptical77

Who knows but if he's also in charge of the PK then he deserves credit.

I also don't think the PP is a coaching issue, rather a personnel issue. They need a better PP QB which is why you heard names like Visnovsky and Streit as trade targets at the deadline. They do lack that big physical power forward to stay in front of the net but I think the PP QB is more important.

Vantel winning 10-0

Hawks were in a similar spot before the playoffs in 2010. Tons of questions about goaltending, defense and toughness. The 2013 team can't be compared to that team especially since it hasn't won anything. Could they make a run? Sure. Could they lose early? Yes. We will see. Bottom line is, they have as good of a shot as anyone and most of the players on this team know what it takes to get there.
- golfbard

I agree 100% . There is no clear cut winner or favorite . We all know regular season means little in the playoffs. Look at LAK last year made it in the playoffs on the final week.

The games need to be played and see what team steps up.

Vantel winning 10-0
- LeftCoaster

Watch out Gillis

I agree 100% . There is no clear cut winner or favorite . We all know regular season means little in the playoffs. Look at LAK last year made it in the playoffs on the final week.

The games need to be played and see what team steps up.
- VANTEL

Thanks for believing in us!

Thanks for believing in us!
- Morris

Caps have been beating up against a pretty weak division.. I don't see them as big threats regardless of how great Ovi has played. Chicago looks like team to beat

Don't forget about this:



Waaaaaah, waaaaah
- hankthetank

That looked painful.

Hawks lack of goaltending and soft play will be their undoing, I'd say 20-1 would have been generous.
- 1970vintage

It's killed them thus far this year. Both guys have been terrible.

I think Vancouver have the edge in Goaltending over Chi. Chi has better D (top end) , and the forwards are even . I think if Kesler stays healthy him and Hansen will play shut down to Toews Saad . Sedins against Hossa will be pretty even and I like our 3 rd line better than Chi and an edge on the fourth also to Van.

Team toughness also an edge to Van
- VANTEL

Scoreboard, statistics, standings.

You can tease out the goaltending from the defense all you want, but the fact is, both go together. And the data suggest Chicago is better at keeping pucks out of their net.

Toews plays with Saad and Hossa. Kane plays with Sharp, and either Bolland or Kruger. Tough matchup for any team, really regardless of how you juggle the top 6.

I will concede the team toughness point, but with the qualifier that neither team is the Broad Street Bullies.

The other huge intangible is one team has their name on the hardware and the other doesn't. Leadership and response to adversity in the playoffs matters, and that's always been a huge questionmark for the Canucks with their present roster and coach.

Just saying, there doesn't seem to be a rational argument for givng the Canucks better odds. Could they come out the West and/or take the Hawks in a 7-game series? Sure. But the Vegas odds favor the Hawks by a margin. Always follow the money.

Watch out Gillis
- VANTEL

Too bad you never made the playoffs.


Are you gonna fire yourself?

I'm pretty sure somebody has to... It's not like they end the playoffs after the 1st round.
- micah555

Judging by the caliber of play last year, they should have.

Scoreboard, statistics, standings.

You can tease out the goaltending from the defense all you want, but the fact is, both go together. And the data suggest Chicago is better at keeping pucks out of their net.

Toews plays with Saad and Hossa. Kane plays with Sharp, and either Bolland or Kruger. Tough matchup for any team, really regardless of how you juggle the top 6.

I will concede the team toughness point, but with the qualifier that neither team is the Broad Street Bullies.

The other huge intangible is one team has their name on the hardware and the other doesn't. Leadership and response to adversity in the playoffs matters, and that's always been a huge questionmark for the Canucks with their present roster and coach.

Just saying, there doesn't seem to be a rational argument for givng the Canucks better odds. Could they come out the West and/or take the Hawks in a 7-game series? Sure. But the Vegas odds favor the Hawks by a margin. Always follow the money.
- John Jaeckel

I agree the Hawks should have lower odds than the Canucks. That's just logical. But out of curiosity, and this an honest question, when was the last time the odds on favorite starting the playoffs actually hoisted the trophy? Detroit?

Anyone know if the playoff starting date has been established?
Thanks.

Anyone know if the playoff starting date has been established?
Thanks.
- Marwood

I've heard April 28th

I've heard April 28th
- kneughter

The day after the season ends. Hmmm, little time to get the playoff pools set.

I agree the Hawks should have lower odds than the Canucks. That's just logical. But out of curiosity, and this an honest question, when was the last time the odds on favorite starting the playoffs actually hoisted the trophy? Detroit?
- AlexF

The Canucks 2 years ago.....