John Jaeckel: 5 Key Hawks In The Playoffs

Good article Let's take them out early.

Time to bring the pain...

This year's Bickell/Buff is Ben Smith

Time to put away the razors!!

JJ,

Any isnight to the rumor that per a source I know....Toews' injury is more severe than previously thought / mentioned....and will require surgery to the shoulder in the offseason?

Everyone do yourself a favor and watch this video ONE LAST time before the tournament begins Thursday night . Hopefully near the end of June there will be another Hawk tribute video that ends something like his one !


Enjoy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_nu5QokaCw


Also , don't forget , MAKE YOUR PICKS .

http://bracketchallenge.n...ge/leagues/5666?locale=en

I can't wait to see Toewes and Kane in their first shift back. If they look uninhibited I'll feel good about our chances. Lots of good matchups across the leauge so it will be a great couple of months.

JJ,

Any isnight to the rumor that per a source I know....Toews' injury is more severe than previously thought / mentioned....and will require surgery to the shoulder in the offseason?
- ChicagoDave

Have heard that rumor is out there. Have not had confirmation or denial from any reliable sources.

Also , I think Regin and or Morin could be heroes of the Unsung type , keeping possession for the Hawks and getting in front of the net type of goals.

This year's Bickell/Buff is Ben Smith
- furso27

This year's Bickell has to be Bickell - and Shaw and Saad.

All three need to be smartly aggressive going to the net.

This year's Bickell/Buff is Ben Smith
- furso27

I would say morin/ reign but they wont get steady shifts more likely than not. Hoping steeger pulls his head out his bum and has a great gritty run for us.

This year's Bickell has to be Bickell - and Shaw and Saad.

All three need to be smartly aggressive going to the net.
- StLBravesFan

Dear god I hope so

This year's Bickell/Buff is Ben Smith
- furso27

Smitty was money in the games he played in that Vancouver series. Definitely think he'll be a guy who thrives in crunch time this year.

Thursday can't come soon enough

This year's Bickell/Buff is Ben Smith
- furso27

I've always liked the way he plays but he has progressed leaps and bounds since the beginning of the year. I heard another analyst last night talking about how Detroit's philosophy is to keep their kids in the minors until they are "overripe and ready to make a contribution at the NHL level" The Hawks have started the same type of
system. Hope Morin gets a chance to play at least part of the time and get his feet wet.

For me, the top 3 occupants on this list should be Crawford, Crawford and Crawford. The defense has looked fairly suspect for big chunks this year. He's going to need to have some goalie wins in order to get through the first round.

Me = Nervous

Let the real games begin! With all of St Louis injuries, I wonder how physical they will be able to play. And seeing that is the only way they can knock us off our game. I'm liking our chances!!! Can't wait till Thursday....

JJ,

Any isnight to the rumor that per a source I know....Toews' injury is more severe than previously thought / mentioned....and will require surgery to the shoulder in the offseason?
- ChicagoDave

that is awful if it is true

To me in this series, the biggest keys will not be individual player efforts as much as it will be to stay out of the GD penalty box (Looking at you Andrew Shaw), and converting power play chances.

Crawford will be fine.

Toews will be healthy.

My pick for unsung hero will be Weeble - Ben Smith.

For me, the top 3 occupants on this list should be Crawford, Crawford and Crawford. The defense has looked fairly suspect for big chunks this year. He's going to need to have some goalie wins in order to get through the first round.

Me = Nervous
- eburgio

Crawford softies are I-R-R-I-T-A-T-I-N-G


And JJ...love the 'pilot light' analogy

My pick for unsung here....if he plays Jeremy Morin....if he doesn't Ben Smith.

To me in this series, the biggest keys will not be individual player efforts as much as it will be to stay out of the GD penalty box (Looking at you Andrew Shaw), and converting power play chances.

Crawford will be fine.

Toews will be healthy.

My pick for unsung hero will be Weeble - Ben Smith.
- Return of the Roar

I really hope so. If Toews is not healthy enough to play I would hope they just sit him. The Hawks can beat Saint Louis without Toews.

My pick for unsung here....if he plays Jeremy Morin....if he doesn't Ben Smith.
- UnnamedSource

Smith , agreed. Another guy who will thrive in front of the net .

Smith , agreed. Another guy who will thrive in front of the net .
- mrpaulish

It will be fun Mr Paulish!

For me, the top 3 occupants on this list should be Crawford, Crawford and Crawford. The defense has looked fairly suspect for big chunks this year. He's going to need to have some goalie wins in order to get through the first round.

Me = Nervous
- eburgio

relax.....we will be okay...this round.