I still believe that no one can play better defensivley then Detroit did against the Hawks. Bruins D is tough big physical but I still think they will give us more room to skate and more open ice to create scoring chances. That being said Don Cherry who I respect and is already showing his Boston colours said it best even before the game was over last night. "Boston D has the most goals in these playoffs by defenceman and Chicago doesnt cover the points well" true enough I guess Mr. Cherry but if you think that adjustment is not going to be made before game one. Then its a good thing your behind a camera in the studio because you wouldnt last to long behind the bench this day in age.

The Hawks will be the first real "team" that Boston has faced all playoffs

Hawks in 6 LETS GO HAWKS!!!!
- Ruboy88

Bruins D (the 6 blueliners)>>Detroit's D (blueliners).

I would argue Detroit's forwards are as good or better defensively than Boston's.

None, I know some people who've never played who know quite a bit about it. Quite honestly. Maybe that was a poor choice of words on my part. Duly noted.

But you know what, some people talk about the game like they invented it— relentlessly criiticize others and their opinions when they really have no idea of their own—and say D-U-M stuff.
- John Jaeckel

Thanks for the clarification, and I'm with ya' on your point.

I think playing it helps. DOING anything lends itself by the very nature of doing it toward having more perspective.

You do NOT have to have played at any high level, but if you've jumped over the boards in a typical beer league that's credibility-at least on some level.
- kwolf68

I generally agree with that - and I really like the perspective gained here from those that have played the game. That said, some dumb comments about hockey come from those who have played, and some come from those that haven't. We can all say dumb things at times; especially when trying to predict the future!

I generally agree with that - and I really like the perspective gained here from those that have played the game. That said, some dumb comments about hockey come from those who have played, and some come from those that haven't. We can all say dumb things at times; especially when trying to predict the future!
- mohel

I think a major difference in whether you played or not is in the players you can tell people favor. I would guess that if you asked those who haven't played who the best player on the Hawks is, you'd get the majority saying Kane, and that's blatantly untrue.

I think a major difference in whether you played or not is in the players you can tell people favor. I would guess that if you asked those who haven't played who the best player on the Hawks is, you'd get the majority saying Kane, and that's blatantly untrue.
- rollpards19

I never played and would never say that, though I'm glad he's a Hawk. I know lots of people who never played who wouldn't say it either. So I don't think I'd agree with that one.

I never played and would never say that, though I'm glad he's a Hawk. I know lots of people who never played who wouldn't say it either. So I don't think I'd agree with that one.
- mohel

Got ya, but I did say majority, not all. Most people who haven't played don't have as good an understanding of the game as you do, and are enamored by skill and flashy plays, which Kane has in spades. I don't know if you've ever read Joe Posnanski, but he wrote a column recently about learning to love hockey, and how the game is so fast that its hard for the casual observer to follow anything but the puck, which I think is true.

I generally agree with that - and I really like the perspective gained here from those that have played the game. That said, some dumb comments about hockey come from those who have played, and some come from those that haven't. We can all say dumb things at times; especially when trying to predict the future!
- mohel

No argument mohel. I can't stand the arrogance some show. I've played hockey, but only at an adult/beer league level and I get the same trip from someone who played juniors or grew up playing.

Outside of that I've been an assistant coach/head coach for both my sons ice hockey teams and have learned from many great coaches (including former NHL, AHL, players), so you pickup things from those who have experienced more than you and apply it to your own knowledge base.

I think a major difference in whether you played or not is in the players you can tell people favor. I would guess that if you asked those who haven't played who the best player on the Hawks is, you'd get the majority saying Kane, and that's blatantly untrue.
- rollpards19

I would really disagree with that statement! I never played Ice Hockey(couldn't skate worth a crap) but have been watching it for over 30 years and I do know a little about the game. The best player on the Hawks is Toews with Hossa a close 2nd. I think what might be true statement is people that did not play and have not been watching Hockey for a long time might say it's Kane. Just because of his flash. Don't have to play a sport to understand it and know who is good and who is not. Just my 2 cents.

I think a major difference in whether you played or not is in the players you can tell people favor. I would guess that if you asked those who haven't played who the best player on the Hawks is, you'd get the majority saying Kane, and that's blatantly untrue.
- rollpards19

Nice jab at Kaner there.

Don't lump people who never played, but know hockey with the people who never played and don't know hockey.

I am 99.9% sure there are people on this board that know more about hockey (that never played) than guys I played hockey with or even MYSELF.

I would really disagree with that statement! I never played Ice Hockey(couldn't skate worth a crap) but have been watching it for over 30 years and I do know a little about the game. The best player on the Hawks is Toews with Hossa a close 2nd. I think what might be true statement is people that did not play and have not been watching Hockey for a long time might say it's Kane. Just because of his flash. Don't have to play a sport to understand it and know who is good and who is not. Just my 2 cents.
- PaulNewman

I think you guys took majority the wrong way, obviously people (excluding some) who read and write on this site have a good understanding of the game. I'm talking about the more casual, average fan

John Jaeckel: Chicago-Boston Prediction
- John Jaeckel

Don't really care which team wins it. I like both although both have players I'd rather not see hoist a cup. I'm just so glad poopsburgh is out!

The best thing about Chicago continuing on is we get to read JJ!!!

Great insight and as I tweeted yesterday I feel this series becomes a split based on the style of game the officials want.

If they allow the Bruins to wear them down and dare them to call every infraction it's Boston in 6.

However, if they call it the way players behave then Chicago can run and gun without fear and it's Chicago in 6.

Don't underestimate what Crawford has done this post season.

Nice jab at Kaner there.

Don't lump people who never played, but know hockey with the people who never played and don't know hockey.

I am 99.9% sure there are people on this board that know more about hockey (that never played) than guys I played hockey with or even MYSELF.
- CBHawks88

MAJORITY. You know a lot about hockey and watch it a lot, most don't. Also I will always take jabs at Patrick Kane in full disclosure, not a huge fan and definitely biased against him. Not objective or fair, but I don't really care

Got ya, but I did say majority, not all. Most people who haven't played don't have as good an understanding of the game as you do, and are enamored by skill and flashy plays, which Kane has in spades. I don't know if you've ever read Joe Posnanski, but he wrote a column recently about learning to love hockey, and how the game is so fast that its hard for the casual observer to follow anything but the puck, which I think is true.
- rollpards19

You did say majority, and I'm sure you are right about lots of people. I guess I'd say the 'casual fan' base would be like you say. I think if someone takes the time to study the game a bit, their view would change; and playing the game wouldn't be necessary to understand what each guy brings to the table. And thanks for the compliment - not sure it has been earned, but thanks nonetheless! My education on HB continues, God help me!!

Not sure if anyone posted -

NHL Public Relations ‏@PR_NHL
NHL #StanleyCup Final Officials: Referees McCauley, O'Halloran, Rooney and Watson. Linesmen Heyer, Murphy, Racicot and Sharrers.

Not sure if anyone posted -

NHL Public Relations ‏@PR_NHL
NHL #StanleyCup Final Officials: Referees McCauley, O'Halloran, Rooney and Watson. Linesmen Heyer, Murphy, Racicot and Sharrers.
- SloanKetter1ng

Where's our guy, Walkom?

Not sure if anyone posted -

NHL Public Relations ‏@PR_NHL
NHL #StanleyCup Final Officials: Referees McCauley, O'Halloran, Rooney and Watson. Linesmen Heyer, Murphy, Racicot and Sharrers.
- SloanKetter1ng

No Walkom?! THE SERIES IS OURS.

Where's our guy, Walkom?
- mohel

Thank god if this is true

#24 is the worst

I think you guys took majority the wrong way, obviously people (excluding some) who read and write on this site have a good understanding of the game. I'm talking about the more casual, average fan
- rollpards19

Got it! Would agree!

Thank god if this is true

#24 is the worst
- mrpaulish

Fully agreed! He'd be a distraction to me, if nothing else.

I think you guys took majority the wrong way, obviously people (excluding some) who read and write on this site have a good understanding of the game. I'm talking about the more casual, average fan
- rollpards19

The casual, average fan doesn't read Hockeybuzz!

No argument mohel. I can't stand the arrogance some show. I've played hockey, but only at an adult/beer league level and I get the same trip from someone who played juniors or grew up playing.

Outside of that I've been an assistant coach/head coach for both my sons ice hockey teams and have learned from many great coaches (including former NHL, AHL, players), so you pickup things from those who have experienced more than you and apply it to your own knowledge base.
- kwolf68

For the record, I have rarely felt like people here have dismissed my thoughts because I hadn't played. Usually it has to do with the quality of the thought!!

A Patty Hatty so LA can go play with their caddy!

Just teasing. It was a great series, now to prepare for the next one, might need a week off work.
Great blog JJ.

The casual, average fan doesn't read Hockeybuzz!
- moots

Good point.

A Patty Hatty so LA can go play with their caddy!

Just teasing. It was a great series, now to prepare for the next one, might need a week off work.
Great blog JJ.
- AusBlackhawks

If this engaged Kane stays through out the SCF we will be enjoying the Hawks hoisting the cup.

The Bruins are going to do their best to goad the Hawks into penalties . The Hawks need to smile and skate away from every single cheap shot.