This has been said over and over again, but teams that focus on that against the Hawks go home. Hitting and chasing is pretty damn tiring, so I'd say bring it on....
- mohel

It's great to be free again.

I'd just like to thank everyone for their support (except you Beav, not much love from you ) during this difficult time in my life. I'm especially grateful to those of you that took the time and effort to keep me company through PM's.

I maintain my innocence and refuse to admit any wrong doing. You have my word that I will not allow this blatant overreach of authority to in any way temper or censor my posting style, and I will continue to doggedly agitate the opposition at every opportunity.

-Ogi
- Ogilthorpe2

Happiness is a intimidated Blues poster

But the now crowd will tell you that he's their best option.

Fact is, he isn't an option. He's old, he's slow, and his career is over. So instead, they'll play him and hope he can win a few faceoffs and completely empty his tank and catch lightning in a bottle a 2nd time in 2 years, and then be shocked when they can't.

I'm pretty sure the Hawks don't lose a helluva lot with Toews-Smith/Shaw-Smith/Shaw-Kruger vs Toews-Handzus-Shaw-Kruger in the lineup...with a Regin, or Morin getting into the lineup.

Against STL it won't be as obvious as Handzus will be able to keep up with the slower Blues. However, if they meet the Avs in the 2nd round, they better attach a GPS on this camel's back, because he wont' be anywhere to be found on the screen.

I won't lie....when I saw on twitter that Handzus took a puck to the face, went down, left the ice...I was hoping he was out. Sadly, this guy wont' die and returned.

And now...he'll score Thursday night...because that always happens.
- SteveRain

There is a difference between not being an issue and being the only option available. I don't think any one on this board ever claimed he was the answer. The fact is the Hawks/Q didn't have a better option until recently....over the past 4/5 weeks Regin has played much better, Morin has finally come into his own and Ben Smith's play has improved throughout the season. Like it or not The Caboose did help improve the PK. However as the season continued it became clear Zus was on fumes....no one here is drinking kool aid, just simply being honest in their assessments.

Agree 100% but the Blues can't allow a skating game either or they are toast.

I prefer to think of the Hawks as a team that can play it anyway you want and kick your butt. Just like the great Islander and Canadiens teams could.
- RickJ

I think this is true, but the style that I wonder about most is another team that plays like them (Wings and Avs).

It's great to be free again.

I'd just like to thank everyone for their support (except you Beav, not much love from you ) during this difficult time in my life. I'm especially grateful to those of you that took the time and effort to keep me company through PM's.

I maintain my innocence and refuse to admit any wrong doing. You have my word that I will not allow this blatant overreach of authority to in any way temper or censor my posting style, and I will continue to doggedly agitate the opposition at every opportunity.

-Ogi
- Ogilthorpe2

- Ogilthorpe2

How do you feel about David Backes?

Best live album ever!
- HawkintheD

I didn't start this, Mr. Moderator, but best live albums ever list must include:

Leonard Cohen Live in London (at the O2 Arena)
Springsteen and the Sessions Band Live in Dublin

There is a difference between not being an issue and being the only option available. I don't think any one on this board ever claimed he was the answer. The fact is the Hawks/Q didn't have a better option until recently....over the past 4/5 weeks Regin has played much better, Morin has finally come into his own and Ben Smith's play has improved throughout the season. Like it or not The Caboose did help improve the PK. However as the season continued it became clear Zus was on fumes....no one here is drinking kool aid, just simply being honest in their assessments.
- UnnamedSource

So what if Zus is in the lineup for Game 1, doesn't mean he will suit up every night. The playoffs are a war of attrition and Q has a deep bullpen to start the playoffs with. If Versteeg or Saad stink or get hurt, he has Morin to throw in the lineup. If he thinks he needs Regin to center a line, he will dress him.

Compare that to Hitchcock has over 6 ot 7 games with his walking wounded.

How do you feel about David Backes?
- bcallaway

Backes...

I didn't start this, Mr. Moderator, but best live albums ever list must include:

Leonard Cohen Live in London (at the O2 Arena)
Springsteen and the Sessions Band Live in Dublin
- StLBravesFan

Best Live Albums
Rush- Exit Stage Left
UFO- Strangers in the Night
Iron Maiden- Live After Death

While waiting for this interminable time between regular season and playoffs, I have checked some stuff out....

The twelve likely forwards for the Hawks in game one weigh and average of 201.8 pounds (and one of them is the little terrier Shaw at 180). Their Blues counterparts check in at a whopping 203.5 pounds - they are definitely hulking beasts.

On the blueline....the six Hawks likely to start the first game average 203.5, while the Blues tilt the scales at 211.5 (affected considerably by the oaf-like beast, Polak at 236). With these massive differences in weight, it will shock me if the Hawks aren't cowering in the corner by the end of the first period of game one.

So what if Zus is in the lineup for Game 1, doesn't mean he will suit up every night. The playoffs are a war of attrition and Q has a deep bullpen to start the playoffs with. If Versteeg or Saad stink or get hurt, he has Morin to throw in the lineup. If he thinks he needs Regin to center a line, he will dress him.

Compare that to Hitchcock has over 6 ot 7 games with his walking wounded.
- RickJ

All of this

How do you feel about David Backes?
- bcallaway

How do you feel about David Backes?
- bcallaway

Don't get him started.

How do you feel about David Backes?
- bcallaway

He's a fine human being and a degenerate as a hockey player.

While waiting for this interminable time between regular season and playoffs, I have checked some stuff out....

The twelve likely forwards for the Hawks in game one weigh and average of 201.8 pounds (and one of them is the little terrier Shaw at 180). Their Blues counterparts check in at a whopping 203.5 pounds - they are definitely hulking beasts.

On the blueline....the six Hawks likely to start the first game average 203.5, while the Blues tilt the scales at 211.5 (affected considerably by the oaf-like beast, Polak at 236). With these massive differences in weight, it will shock me if the Hawks aren't cowering in the corner by the end of the first period of game one.
- mohel

Polak the circus bear makes up in lbs for what he lacks in brains

I didn't start this, Mr. Moderator, but best live albums ever list must include:

Leonard Cohen Live in London (at the O2 Arena)
Springsteen and the Sessions Band Live in Dublin
- StLBravesFan

Great call, Saint!!

He's a fine human being and a degenerate as a hockey player.
- mohel

He likes dogs

How do you feel about David Backes?
- bcallaway

How do you feel about David Backes?
- bcallaway

I don't remember who posted it, but the picture of the bathroom stall comes to mind.

While waiting for this interminable time between regular season and playoffs, I have checked some stuff out....

The twelve likely forwards for the Hawks in game one weigh and average of 201.8 pounds (and one of them is the little terrier Shaw at 180). Their Blues counterparts check in at a whopping 203.5 pounds - they are definitely hulking beasts.

On the blueline....the six Hawks likely to start the first game average 203.5, while the Blues tilt the scales at 211.5 (affected considerably by the oaf-like beast, Polak at 236). With these massive differences in weight, it will shock me if the Hawks aren't cowering in the corner by the end of the first period of game one.
- mohel

Yeah, people talk about how big or heavy they are, not sure why.

They just play a physical game. They are not big though, besides a few guys. (But most teams have a few big guys)

He likes dogs
- UnnamedSource

That is why he's a fine human being.

How do you feel about David Backes?
- bcallaway

I compare him to a Summer's Eve....

While waiting for this interminable time between regular season and playoffs, I have checked some stuff out....

The twelve likely forwards for the Hawks in game one weigh and average of 201.8 pounds (and one of them is the little terrier Shaw at 180). Their Blues counterparts check in at a whopping 203.5 pounds - they are definitely hulking beasts.

On the blueline....the six Hawks likely to start the first game average 203.5, while the Blues tilt the scales at 211.5 (affected considerably by the oaf-like beast, Polak at 236). With these massive differences in weight, it will shock me if the Hawks aren't cowering in the corner by the end of the first period of game one.
- mohel

Load Hitchcock's weight into your spreadsheet and the difference between the 2 teams becomes worrisome.

Anybody got photos of what he looked like when he started coaching the Dallas Stars?

Best Live Albums
Rush- Exit Stage Left
UFO- Strangers in the Night
Iron Maiden- Live After Death
- UnnamedSource

Ordered the Blue Ray Concert Clockwork angels - amazing the boys from Toronto are still kicking ars