Q's job is to put the lineup out there most capable of bringing the thunder. IMHO, the biggest mistake he can make is to in ANY way underestimate what the other team has in health/heart. Assume the worst, play your best players, and motivate them to bring their best. Game one is crucial.

He should not get caught in matchup minutia. This is a clash of styles more than a clash of individual role players. Make sure your style is how the game plays out.

If Tarasenko is indeed back in the lineup and healthy, he becomes the difference that puts the blues over the top. I am not saying this to antagonize any of you, nor am I rooting against the hawks. This is my logic vs emotion exercise.

Blues in 6
- TrueGrit

The healthy part is the key. I'm sure they will all play game 1. But we have seen how ineffective some of our players can be when they aren't near 100% schwartz will be another player to watch

Very interesting on the odds tow in the cup, AL.

I was on vegasinsider a few days back, and Boston was the clear favorite, but the Hawks, Avs, and Blues were all at 6 to 1 to win....Interesting to see the Hawks dropped to 8 to 1. Has to be STL is possibly healthier then what is originally thought.

Taresenko taking shifts and on the PP tells me he's ready to go.
- SteveRain

Pang this morning said Tarasenko isn't going to play opening 2 games...Doctor has to clear him.

Av's are most interesting....still at 14/1 to win Cup......Boston deserves to be a favorite and Pens as will considering how the West is going to pound on each other for next six weeks.

Today's article...
Hawks-Blues Preview-Are Hawks up to the task? Who has to shine? What is Vegas saying? On The Blackhawks-Fox Chicago: http://bit.ly/1qJPcT0

On Twitter@AlCimaglia

The healthy part is the key. I'm sure they will all play game 1. But we have seen how ineffective some of our players can be when they aren't near 100% schwartz will be another player to watch
- tomcat24

Taresenko is vg and going to be great...Blues win nothing mostly likely if Backes can't skate well enough....And word is he is still very sore.

Today's article...
Hawks-Blues Preview-Are Hawks up to the task? Who has to shine? What is Vegas saying? On The Blackhawks-Fox Chicago: http://bit.ly/1qJPcT0

On Twitter@AlCimaglia

Pang this morning said Taresenko isn't going to play opening 2 games...Doctor has to clear him.

Av's are most interesting....still at 14/1 to win Cup......Boston deserves to be a favorite and Pens as will considering how the West is going to pound on each other for next six weeks.

Today's article...
Hawks-Blues Preview-Are Hawks up to the task? Who has to shine? What is Vegas saying? On The Blackhawks-Fox Chicago: http://bit.ly/1qJPcT0

On Twitter@AlCimaglia
- Al

Yeah, I heard him on 1000 as well. Just seems odd he's on the PP in practice and taking top 6 shifts for a guy who isn't playing for almost a week. we shall see tomorrow, but I wouldn't be surprised if he plays.

I wouldn't touch Pittsburgh with a 10 ft pole. Their goaltending is horrible and without Malkin...if Columbus can get 1 of 2 in Steel town...look out. I like the Habs and Flyers as dark horses in the east.

I think Babcock is going to put a helluva scare into BostonStrong.

If the hawks get a split in st. Louis it won't mean a thing unless they win both 3 and 4 at home. They sometimes let up the 1st few game at home. Luckily they usually are money later in the series like games 4-6.

Yeah, I heard him on 1000 as well. Just seems odd he's on the PP in practice and taking top 6 shifts for a guy who isn't playing for almost a week. we shall see tomorrow, but I wouldn't be surprised if he plays.

I wouldn't touch Pittsburgh with a 10 ft pole. Their goaltending is horrible and without Malkin...if Columbus can get 1 of 2 in Steel town...look out. I like the Habs and Flyers as dark horses in the east.

I think Babcock is going to put a helluva scare into BostonStrong.
- SteveRain

Maybe Pang is wrong, I heard him on 670...But the issue seems to me he can hold the stick okay.... but can't survive contact or a slash???...That seems to be why he wasn't cleared up until now.

I wouldn't discount Babcock or Sutter....Both guys coach the season to get to the playoffs.

Today's article...
Hawks-Blues Preview-Are Hawks up to the task? Who has to shine? What is Vegas saying? On The Blackhawks-Fox Chicago: http://bit.ly/1qJPcT0

On Twitter@AlCimaglia

Taresenko is vg and going to be great...Blues win nothing mostly likely if Backes can't skate well enough....And word is he is still very sore.

Today's article...
Hawks-Blues Preview-Are Hawks up to the task? Who has to shine? What is Vegas saying? On The Blackhawks-Fox Chicago: http://bit.ly/1qJPcT0

On Twitter@AlCimaglia
- Al

Backes is the key guy. He is the straw that stirs the drink. Sets the tone. Biggest dirtbag on the team. He will play and still be cheap but not as effective if sore

Backes is the key guy. He is the straw that stirs the drink. Sets the tone. Biggest dirtbag on the team. He will play and still be cheap but not as effective if sore
- tomcat24

He is their Toews and no one else will be able to cover Toews.

Today's article...
Hawks-Blues Preview-Are Hawks up to the task? Who has to shine? What is Vegas saying? On The Blackhawks-Fox Chicago: http://bit.ly/1qJPcT0

On Twitter@AlCimaglia

He is their Toews and no one else will be able to cover Toews.

Today's article...
Hawks-Blues Preview-Are Hawks up to the task? Who has to shine? What is Vegas saying? On The Blackhawks-Fox Chicago: http://bit.ly/1qJPcT0

On Twitter@AlCimaglia
- Al

True, but what I fear is Jacka$$ can cross-check him into the crossbar as well as Backa$$ can.

True, but what I fear is Jacka$$ can cross-check him into the crossbar as well as Backa$$ can.
- powerenforcer

Yes but he won't be covering Toews.

Today's article...
Hawks-Blues Preview-Are Hawks up to the task? Who has to shine? What is Vegas saying? On The Blackhawks-Fox Chicago: http://bit.ly/1qJPcT0

On Twitter@AlCimaglia

If Tarasenko is indeed back in the lineup and healthy, he becomes the difference that puts the blues over the top. I am not saying this to antagonize any of you, nor am I rooting against the hawks. This is my logic vs emotion exercise.

Blues in 6
- TrueGrit

That's the question - how healthy is Tarasenko? If the Blues are rushing this kid back from a hand injury, how much effective is he going to be for the Blues scoring wise? Also, how easy is it going to be for him to re-injure that hand?

I don't think I wrote that but if you want.. (should be in red)

I guess the lesson is dson't lay 5/13 on such a big favorite to win a division...Too many variables and too little return for me.

Today's article...
Hawks-Blues Preview-Are Hawks up to the task? Who has to shine? What is Vegas saying? On The Blackhawks-Fox Chicago: http://bit.ly/1qJPcT0

On Twitter@AlCimaglia
- Al

I was just having a little fun with you Al.

Bigger concern for them is how effective Backes is because they can't win without him...
- Al

This.

Yeah, I heard him on 1000 as well. Just seems odd he's on the PP in practice and taking top 6 shifts for a guy who isn't playing for almost a week. we shall see tomorrow, but I wouldn't be surprised if he plays.

I wouldn't touch Pittsburgh with a 10 ft pole. Their goaltending is horrible and without Malkin...if Columbus can get 1 of 2 in Steel town...look out. I like the Habs and Flyers as dark horses in the east.

I think Babcock is going to put a helluva scare into BostonStrong.
- SteveRain

Agree with the highlighted.

Detroit could even possibly knock off Boston in the 1st round...

Yeah, I heard him on 1000 as well. Just seems odd he's on the PP in practice and taking top 6 shifts for a guy who isn't playing for almost a week. we shall see tomorrow, but I wouldn't be surprised if he plays.

I wouldn't touch Pittsburgh with a 10 ft pole. Their goaltending is horrible and without Malkin...if Columbus can get 1 of 2 in Steel town...look out. I like the Habs and Flyers as dark horses in the east.

I think Babcock is going to put a helluva scare into BostonStrong.
- SteveRain

In my mind you can't trust anything anyone says this time of year. That includes coaches, GMs, broadcasters, or anyone else associated with a team that may be privy to inside info.

In my mind you can't trust anything anyone says this time of year. That includes coaches, GMs, broadcasters, or anyone else associated with a team that may be privy to inside info.
- MartiniMan

Agreed.

Ill believe the health of all the players involved , Toews, Kane , Tarasinnnko


Backes , Ohsie , Burgeland , when I see it ,

***LAST CHANCE - BRACKETS LOCK AT THE START OF THE FIRST GAME TODAY!!!***

***STANLEY CUP PLAYOFF CHALLENGE!!!***

Don't forget to sign up and get in on the action! Bracket selection is open!!!

Brackets lock April 16th at the start of the first game!!!

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League: jjhawks
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...and a big thank you to MrPaulish for setting it up this season.

Melrose picked the Hawks over Bruins, again.

Someone explain how Backes is so dirty.

I understand Jackman, as he constantly slashes/cross-checks/throws jabs to the back of someones head/etc. How he gets away with so much is beyond me.

I just don't see it with Backes though.

Someone explain how Backes is so dirty.

I understand Jackman, as he constantly slashes/cross-checks/throws jabs to the back of someones head/etc. How he gets away with so much is beyond me.

I just don't see it with Backes though.
- carcus

We've been through this before. Every time someone tries explaining it, you deny it and it just turns into some pissing match with no end.

I'm not doing it again.

We've been through this before. Every time someone tries explaining it, you deny it and it just turns into some pissing match with no end.

I'm not doing it again.
- EKolb13

That's the question - how healthy is Tarasenko? If the Blues are rushing this kid back from a hand injury, how much effective is he going to be for the Blues scoring wise? Also, how easy is it going to be for him to re-injure that hand?
- EKolb13

They same injury that ruined the great career of Ray McKegney......Lets see who is the first one to figure out this riddle....

From a Hawks photoshop page:

http://blackhawks.nhl.com...lub/blogpost.htm?id=28429

They same injury that ruined the great career of Ray McKegney......Lets see who is the first one to figure out this riddle....
- TrueGrit

http://www.stanthecaddy.com/ray-mckigney.html