John Jaeckel: Kind Of A Big Game Tonight

First.

First.
- Tugboat

Second.

Second.
- EKolb13

Third.

Likely the Wings are going to come out with a lot of jump—guaranteed in fact—in game 6. The challenge for the Hawks is not to give up the first goal or two. Withstand the surge, but also skate hard from the word go and let their speed, and probably fresher legs at this point carry them as the game wears on. A few more big hits like those delivered in game 5 would not hurt the cause either.

Well said. It's a given that Detroit will be energetic and firing on all cylinders from the 1st FO, and if the Hawks don't match this level of intensity the season will end tonight, simple like that.

But I like our chances, given the huge momentum shift and superior depth. If they can play like they have most of the season, just play their finesse style of game, but with the physicality ramped up to playoff-level (as they did in game 5), we will get to enjoy a game 7 on home ice.

Really hoping that Bickell can lay a few more hits like he did last game, preferably another big one on Kronwall. After all the big injury inducing hits he has laid over the years, clean or not, karma comes back to haunt you eventually.

Sharp has had so much jump and tenacity during the playoffs this year I wonder how badly injured his shoulder really is. You don't see guys nursing shoulder injuries throwing his body around with reckless abandon like that. But apparently he does have a bad injury that will require surgery, that speaks to his toughness physically and mentally. This guy is a soldier come playoffs.

Need more out of Kane tonight and Toews needs to keep buzzing around the wings net. A couple more bounces go our way and we're going back to the UC for an epic game 7. Shaw and Bolland need to keep their emotions in check. Don't try to outhit detroit, but make the hits that we do get count for more than theirs do. Lots of shots from the point and traffic in front of the net !!! Keith and Seabs should stay together and keep the Hammer on Datsyuk all night long !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As JJ said, games like this are what it's all about.

GO HAWKS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well said. It's a given that Detroit will be energetic and firing on all cylinders from the 1st FO, and if the Hawks don't match this level of intensity the season will end tonight, simple like that.

But I like our chances, given the huge momentum shift and superior depth. If they can play like they have most of the season, just play their finesse style of game, but with the physicality ramped up to playoff-level (as they did in game 5), we will get to enjoy a game 7 on home ice.
- Tugboat

I share your optimism, I have a good feeling tonight. 2 points from Toews, another PP goal, and Stalberg/Saad combine for a goal in a 3-2 win.

Sharp has had so much jump and tenacity during the playoffs this year I wonder how badly injured his shoulder really is. You don't see guys nursing shoulder injuries throwing his body around with reckless abandon like that. But apparently he does have a bad injury that will require surgery, that speaks to his toughness physically and mentally. This guy is a soldier come playoffs.

- Ballam

No sh!t. I have never gotten the anti-Sharp sentiment that seems to so often fly around here. He's a fantastic two-way hockey player, he's having a fantastic series, and when the need arises to get more gritty and physical, he's certainly willing and able to do that. If his soulder really is serious, all the more kudos to him.

Given the Wings have last change, I would really like to see Bickell out there w/Toews and Kane. Sharp can lay the wood on the second line. Let Bickell kick the crap out of Zetterberg.

Cycle and relentless pressure should get it done again.

Big thanks to all the veterans. I hope you all enjoy your day.

Big thanks to all the veterans
- fattybeef

+1

No sh!t. I have never gotten the anti-Sharp sentiment that seems to so often fly around here. He's a fantastic two-way hockey player, he's having a fantastic series, and when the need arises to get more gritty and physical, he's certainly willing and able to do that. If his soulder really is serious, all the more kudos to him.
- Tugboat

Kronwall also had his hand wrapped while talking to the media today? So does he have a hand injury on top of the shoulder injury? No way this guy is anywhere close to 100% ready to go after that hit. Will be interesting to see how effective he can be for them tonight.

Hawks are my second favorite team... Hope they play like they did in game 5 tonight.

No sh!t. I have never gotten the anti-Sharp sentiment that seems to so often fly around here. He's a fantastic two-way hockey player, he's having a fantastic series, and when the need arises to get more gritty and physical, he's certainly willing and able to do that. If his soulder really is serious, all the more kudos to him.
- Tugboat

He is what he is. Good player. Most expendable from the core but having a brilliant playoffs this year. Been a joy to watch.

17th!!

Hawks need to score first.

Don't Panic. Go Hawks!

He is what he is. Good player. Most expendable from the core but having a brilliant playoffs this year. Been a joy to watch.
- fattybeef

Sharp is very good on the boards as well as a goal scorer...Trading him would create a hole.

Of the 7 untouchables it is Bolland who is most replaceable....Really not close.

Hawks aren't going to pay him $3 mill+ as a 4th line center....

On Twitter@AlCimaglia

I share your optimism, I have a good feeling tonight. 2 points from Toews, another PP goal, and Stalberg/Saad combine for a goal in a 3-2 win.
- rollpards19

My god, you always have a good feeling

The bottom line in this game will be the goaltending battle between Howard and Crawford. It is really that simple when it is all said and done.

Go to the net and stay there boys. Lets go Hawks!!(loud)

Sharp is very good on the boards as well as a goal scorer...Trading him would create a hole.

Of the 7 untouchables it is Bolland who is most replaceable....Really not close.

Hawks aren't going to pay him $3 mill+ as a 4th line center....

On Twitter@AlCimaglia
- Al

Correct. I am not considering Boland part of the core

There has been much talk about this club not having the correct make-up to win a Cup and that could be true.

That said there is no excuse to lose a 7 game series, with 4 home games, to a newly formulated and inexperienced Red Wings club....Especailly so when 100% healthy.

Howard had been vg...but as Jimmy Devellano said, although a bit overstated...

If the Wings win this series it would be the upset of all upsets...I wouldn't go quite so far but he is more correct than not.

On Twitter@AlCimaglia

Correct. I am not considering Boland part of the core
- fattybeef

My mind goes to 2-7-10-19-36-81-88.

Anyone else hope the real Brent Seabrook miraculously shows up tonight?

Yeah, I thought so, me too.

If anyone watched the game closely enough, Duncan Keith (who arguably had his best game of 2013) bailed Seabrook out several times. Yet, somehow Seabrook gets out of Q's doghouse, but Nick Leddy (he of just over 12 min TOI in game 5) not so much.

Funny, too, that Leddy made some pretty fine D plays (on the 3 on 1 and several other 2 on 1's) -- and is STILL the only Hawk player capable (at least proving by doing) of going end-to-end and getting himself or SOMEONE a scoring chance.

I just don't like the fact that Q has not unleashed Leddy on the Wings.

Please Q -- let this kid use his talent and I swear those Wing defenders (and forwards) will be sucking wind by the 2nd period.

Gah!

17th!!

Hawks need to score first.

Don't Panic. Go Hawks!
- Beaver-Warrior

Anyone else hope the real Brent Seabrook miraculously shows up tonight?

Yeah, I thought so, me too.

If anyone watched the game closely enough, Duncan Keith (who arguably had his best game of 2013) bailed Seabrook out several times. Yet, somehow Seabrook gets out of Q's doghouse, but Nick Leddy (he of just over 12 min TOI in game 5) not so much.

Funny, too, that Leddy made some pretty fine D plays (on the 3 on 1 and several other 2 on 1's) -- and is STILL the only Hawk player capable (at least proving by doing) of going end-to-end and getting himself or SOMEONE a scoring chance.

I just don't like the fact that Q has not unleashed Leddy on the Wings.

Please Q -- let this kid use his talent and I swear those Wing defenders (and forwards) will be sucking wind by the 2nd period.

Gah!
- savvyone-1

Seabrook has appeared to be less than aware the whole season.

Leddy has outplayed Seabrook during the playoffs but Kitchen has orders to use 4 men and if you look at TOI 3 of 4 all were similar playing time.

Actually Oduya had the most TOI after 40 mins and and Keith and Seabrook were within about 60 seconds of him

Leddy will play more at some point if there is a next series, but he should have more PP time now.