Defense wins championships, and let's not forget the Blackhawks allowed the fewest goals this season.

Much quicker in all aspects of the game last night. Better to loose pucks, better team d in front of CC, faster transitions from d to o, better breakouts, more accurate passes.

O looks a little sluggish, but that's probably because of the way the Wild play.

Must stay out of the box going forward. 12 penalty minutes is about 10 too many, especially for one of the league's least penalized teams.

John:

Just here to say I told you so regarding the Sharks vs. the Canucks.

I don't think the Sharks will make it out of the second round if they face the Blackhawks, which perversely has me cheering for the Red Wings.

However, your prediction of a Canuck victory in the series was misguided given what had happened in the regular season.
- diskprotek

Most of the Sharks scoring is coming from their top 2 lines.

The Hawks have their points spread out pretty nicely around their depth scorers. If you can isolate Couture, Pavelski, and Marleau we might have an easier time.

It will come down to goaltending and Niemi has been great so far. I hope he wins the Vezina.

Most of the Sharks scoring is coming from their top 2 lines.

The Hawks have their points spread out pretty nicely around their depth scorers. If you can isolate Couture, Pavelski, and Marleau we might have an easier time.

It will come down to goaltending and Niemi has been great so far. I hope he wins the Vezina.
- teh_HAWKZ

The also got a lot of their offense from the PP. If we can reduce the number of penalties (compared to the Canucks) and keep out PK success the same we'll be in a better position than the Canucks were.

>JJ, making the Wild -- or any other team -- go 200 feet to score is certainly an important key to Hawk playoff success
>Few teams can go 200 feet and create a great scoring chance -- Hawks happen to be a team that can
>Hossa has been better with each game
>Saad has been OK -- especially for a 20 yr old rook -- but I do think the puck seems to be exploding off his stick a bit
>Toews continues to disappoint -- Sharp is creating much more ice on his own this series than Toews so far

The Hawks need to put this series to bed tomorrow night. I do not want to go back to Minnesota where the Wild in front of their fans can tie the series. The Wild will be in the game tomorrow because of the way they play the game. Boring hockey that waits for the other team to make a mistake. I thought they were more aggressive on their home ice, but when they are on the road, it is rope a dope and drop 5 guys back. I do think this first round match up has lacked the snarl of most, but if the Hawks can get out of it tomorrow and rest Bolland and Emery, they should be in good shape for Round 2. Any clue where Bolland plays when he returns? 4th line? I don't dare touch the third line right now, plus I do like Handzus with Sharp and Kane. Toews has to get going, he did play his best game of the series last night, so here is hoping for a big game from the Captain tomorrow night.

>JJ, making the Wild -- or any other team -- go 200 feet to score is certainly an important key to Hawk playoff success
>Few teams can go 200 feet and create a great scoring chance -- Hawks happen to be a team that can
>Hossa has been better with each game
>Saad has been OK -- especially for a 20 yr old rook -- but I do think the puck seems to be exploding off his stick a bit
>Toews continues to disappoint -- Sharp is creating much more ice on his own this series than Toews so far
- SnapitUpstairs

Toews was without a doubt one of the better players on the ice last night, don't know why that would disappoint you

Toews was without a doubt one of the better players on the ice last night, don't know why that would disappoint you
- rollpards19

I assume most people are talking about results not effort. Not many people will complain about his effort. He does need to score some points, sure it will come sooner than later.

I assume most people are talking about results not effort. Not many people will complain about his effort. He does need to score some points, sure it will come sooner than later.
- droe411

The Wild have been literally draping bodies all over him all series, and it seems like they're starting to wear down while he's not slowing at all. He finally started to break free of the physical coverage/clutch-and-grab tactics last night and got some solid chances because of it. For the effort he's putting in, he'll eventually break out as soon as an opponent feels they can't dedicate most of their defensive strength against him.

I assume most people are talking about results not effort. Not many people will complain about his effort. He does need to score some points, sure it will come sooner than later.
- droe411

Eh the only result that really matters is winning, and he was a big part of helping the team do that. Just think he needs one to go in, he's had some chances

The Wild have been literally draping bodies all over him all series, and it seems like they're starting to wear down while he's not slowing at all. He finally started to break free of the physical coverage/clutch-and-grab tactics last night and got some solid chances because of it. For the effort he's putting in, he'll eventually break out as soon as an opponent feels they can't dedicate most of their defensive strength against him.
- Lash8

Eh the only result that really matters is winning, and he was a big part of helping the team do that. Just think he needs one to go in, he's had some chances
- rollpards19

Once they call a penalty on the untouchable Suter the Wild will stop all the holding, hooking, interference, and straight up assault of Toews. Seriously though, when did Suter become untouchable in the refs eyes?

Toews was without a doubt one of the better players on the ice last night, don't know why that would disappoint you
- rollpards19

>0 goals, 0 assists for the series
>0 great scoring chances on the PP by JT -- other than the open net flub of a Kane pass in an earlier game
>If memory serves me correct, Toews has drawn 0 penalties this series so far
>I'm holding JT to a standard of elite NHL player and I think it's fair to say that JT has not been at that level so far

Once they call a penalty on the untouchable Suter the Wild will stop all the holding, hooking, interference, and straight up assault of Toews. Seriously though, when did Suter become untouchable in the refs eyes?
- droe411

Since he's the only chance that team had of not getting swept and series sweeps mean fewer games in which to sell advertising time.

Vezina Candidates announced:

Lundquist

Bobrovsky

Niemi

>0 goals, 0 assists for the series
>0 great scoring chances on the PP by JT -- other than the open net flub of a Kane pass in an earlier game
>If memory serves me correct, Toews has drawn 0 penalties this series so far
>I'm holding JT to a standard of elite NHL player and I think it's fair to say that JT has not been at that level so far
- SnapitUpstairs

My bad, I thought you meant game 4 specifically, where I thought he was really good. Totally agree on the series.

Once they call a penalty on the untouchable Suter the Wild will stop all the holding, hooking, interference, and straight up assault of Toews. Seriously though, when did Suter become untouchable in the refs eyes?
- droe411

Good thing is neither SJ or Det has a defenseman nearly as good as Suter, so Toews will probably be able to get more looks/more production

With Olesz and Montador bought out, I think there will be enough cap space to re-sign Leddy, Bickell, and Kruger with Stalberg on his way out. I think Stan needs to get Leddy signed ASAP, he could be a target for an offer sheet. As much as I like the guy Frolik could easily be dealt this summer to create a bit more cap space if needed (but I hope he stays).
- DarthKane

I'd honestly prefer that they keep Stalberg and move Bolland. He's proven he can't play the 2C, and there are other less expensive options for the 3C (Shaw, Kruger) with more in the pipleline (Danault, McNeill).

Stalberg need to work on finishing, but he's been one of the better Hawks forwards this whole series, point production or not.

My bad, I thought you meant game 4 specifically, where I thought he was really good. Totally agree on the series.
- rollpards19

>No worries
>Personally, I love JT -- who doesn't?
>Just wish he could find a way to free himself from the Suter rodeo-treatment
>No doubt the zebras aren't helping, but JT certainly has the ability and will to make great plays
>Would love for him to be the #1 star tomorrow night in a Hawks W

I'd honestly prefer that they keep Stalberg and move Bolland. He's proven he can't play the 2C, and there are other less expensive options for the 3C (Shaw, Kruger) with more in the pipleline (Danault, McNeill).

Stalberg need to work on finishing, but he's been one of the better Hawks forwards this whole series, point production or not.
- FredoXV

I'm a big Bolland fan, but if it came down to Bickell and Stalberg vs Bolland I would take 29 and 25. But there is an argument to keeping Bolland. We keep a serviceable centre for 1 more year and get some cap flexibility next year. So keeping Bolland and Bickell is also a good option. But if keeping Bickell & Stalberg without negatively impacting our ability to re-sign the big guns in coming years can be done then let's do it!

We shouldn't get worked up at how this offense looks so far. The season series with the Wild is pretty much mirroring the playoffs. Close contested games. The Wild ugly up the game a bit which will give the Hawks some problems. Just like JJ says if they commit to playing D like they did yesterday we may see a nice playoff run. They have the skill to play this tight defensive game, and get quality scoring chances through breakouts and puck possession.

I'm a big Bolland fan, but if it came down to Bickell and Stalberg vs Bolland I would take 29 and 25. But there is an argument to keeping Bolland. We keep a serviceable centre for 1 more year and get some cap flexibility next year. So keeping Bolland and Bickell is also a good option. But if keeping Bickell & Stalberg without negatively impacting our ability to re-sign the big guns in coming years can be done then let's do it!
- DarthKane

I think Bolland is gone either way. Still may mean Stalberg being gone though, they do have to fill that 2nd line center somehow.

I think Bolland is gone either way. Still may mean Stalberg being gone though, they do have to fill that 2nd line center somehow.
- droe411

Worst case scenario Kruger is the 2C, he may not be idea but he would be a serviceable forward. Maybe Pirri gets a shot too, who knows?

Just read Esplen's blog - total lack of class.
- StLBravesFan

Was thinking that as well as lack of reality. Wow! And people get called out on this blog for drinking the kool aid.

Vezina Candidates announced:

Lundquist

Bobrovsky

Niemi
- robhawks

Sound about right, and the winner is...

...Bob

Worst case scenario Kruger is the 2C, he may not be idea but he would be a serviceable forward. Maybe Pirri gets a shot too, who knows?
- DarthKane

All together now...let's say it together...

...Sharp at 2C !!!