Oh thats the key now this lineup contends for the cup

- Cup-Bearer

Tough series to predict, I have no doubt this will be a seven game series. I have said it for awhile, the barn in Minny is tough to play in. From here on out I think it will be the toughest place to win on the road other than Montreal because you have to deal with the officiating.

The only thing that will put the Hawks over anyone left is #19. This guy is unreal. The Toews v. Crosby argument is done. If you want scoring titles in your trophy case Sid is your guy. If you want Cups then Toews is your guy. That Kane is no slouch either.
- nickmo2699

I think it is 88 is the guy to be honest. And when healthy you can argue Malkin is a better player than Crosby but that is probably splitting hairs. They basically willed that team to their Cup which as a pretty great accomplishment.

The Hawks have also had significantly more consistent goaltending than the Penguins and better defenders especially the 2 previous seasons. Even this season. And the bottom 6 forwards on the Penguins? Woof. Even their secondary scoring. Not a lot going on there. Certainly not comparable to Hossa and Saad (or even Sharp the last few years).

If you want Cups, you want a well rounded line up to compliment your top end talent. Bergeron was "the guy" as well not too long ago and look at what happened to them this season. I think Kopitar has consistently outplayed Toews in their last few head to head battles but 2 out of the last 3 seasons the Hawks have gotten more out of their goalies as well as their supporting cast and thus gone deeper.

You need special players to win a Cup no doubt, but the right combination of role players is just as important.

Pittsburgh hasn't had that. Nashville is severely lacking in that top end talent but had the depth to make it interesting. Minnesota is pretty meh too when it comes to guys who can make a difference on their own (like Kane, Hossa, Toews, Sharp, Saad sometimes) so I don't think they're much of a threat unless the Hawks have another nightmare D.

Point being. This player or that is a moot point with out taking a look at the other players on the roster.

This comes down to Dubnyk for me. If he's round 1 Dubnyk, save game 4, the Wild win. If he's anything closer to Dubnyk game 4 versus the other 5, the 'Hawks win. Either way in 6 games.

EDIT: Oh, and one other thing. Can we get Versteeg the hell out of the lineup? PLEASE?

EDIT2: Request granted? Versteeg in white practice sweater today!
http://www.chicagotribune...pdate-20150427-story.html

I think it is 88 is the guy to be honest. And when healthy you can argue Malkin is a better player than Crosby but that is probably splitting hairs. They basically willed that team to their Cup which as a pretty great accomplishment.

The Hawks have also had significantly more consistent goaltending than the Penguins and better defenders especially the 2 previous seasons. Even this season. And the bottom 6 forwards on the Penguins? Woof. Even their secondary scoring. Not a lot going on there. Certainly not comparable to Hossa and Saad (or even Sharp the last few years).

If you want Cups, you want a well rounded line up to compliment your top end talent. Bergeron was "the guy" as well not too long ago and look at what happened to them this season. I think Kopitar has consistently outplayed Toews in their last few head to head battles but 2 out of the last 3 seasons the Hawks have gotten more out of their goalies as well as their supporting cast and thus gone deeper.

You need special players to win a Cup no doubt, but the right combination of role players is just as important.

Pittsburgh hasn't had that. Nashville is severely lacking in that top end talent but had the depth to make it interesting. Minnesota is pretty meh too when it comes to guys who can make a difference on their own (like Kane, Hossa, Toews, Sharp, Saad sometimes) so I don't think they're much of a threat unless the Hawks have another nightmare D.

Point being. This player or that is a moot point with out taking a look at the other players on the roster.
- fattybeef

Exactly, in the playoffs your best players need to be your best players. To reach the next plateau Hossa Saad and yes Bickel need to consistantly be mentioned with Toews, Kane and Sharp. Rozy needs to eat some minutes for the big 4. The 3rd and 4th lines needs to bring a better effort then thei opposition. Lastly Crow like last year needs to steal games.

The one from Tanner?

He is clueless.
- carcus

Yes, Tanner. I agree with you.

Agree collectively they are hella fast...but their D is not as fast as Nashville.
- kwolf68

This.

I think it is 88 is the guy to be honest. And when healthy you can argue Malkin is a better player than Crosby but that is probably splitting hairs. They basically willed that team to their Cup which as a pretty great accomplishment.

The Hawks have also had significantly more consistent goaltending than the Penguins and better defenders especially the 2 previous seasons. Even this season. And the bottom 6 forwards on the Penguins? Woof. Even their secondary scoring. Not a lot going on there. Certainly not comparable to Hossa and Saad (or even Sharp the last few years).

If you want Cups, you want a well rounded line up to compliment your top end talent. Bergeron was "the guy" as well not too long ago and look at what happened to them this season. I think Kopitar has consistently outplayed Toews in their last few head to head battles but 2 out of the last 3 seasons the Hawks have gotten more out of their goalies as well as their supporting cast and thus gone deeper.

You need special players to win a Cup no doubt, but the right combination of role players is just as important.

Pittsburgh hasn't had that. Nashville is severely lacking in that top end talent but had the depth to make it interesting. Minnesota is pretty meh too when it comes to guys who can make a difference on their own (like Kane, Hossa, Toews, Sharp, Saad sometimes) so I don't think they're much of a threat unless the Hawks have another nightmare D.

Point being. This player or that is a moot point with out taking a look at the other players on the roster.
- fattybeef

Funny, I was thinking about this after I posted the blog today. Minnesota might be faster than Nashville or the Rangers, but the Hawks can pretty much negate that if they back check and maintain offensive zone pressure like they did at times versus Nashville. No team is breaking out with speed after being pinned in their own end for 45 seconds to a minute. And if they do, Hossa, Kane, TT, Saad need to be on their horses and the Hawks will be just fine.

The Hawks have a huge advantage at forward up and down the lineup if their forwards play like they can (as outlined above).

Yes, huge. This team is stacked, like generationally stacked, at forward, especially if Saad and/or TT can step a bit going forward. Toews and Kane are elite players, Hossa is still nearly elite, albeit in a more of a 2-way style. Sharp and Saad are very good hockey players. Kruger, Shaw, Bickell, even Vermette just need to do their jobs. TT would be a huge bonus if he can add something.

By Nashville Predators
Shea Weber suffered a subluxed kneecap during Game Two of the Nashville Predators playoff series against the Chicago Blackhawks. After multiple evaluations, Shea underwent a medical procedure. He is expected to make a full recovery within four to six weeks.

NYR Zuccarello out indefinitely with a concussion after taking a McDounough slap shot to the head while closing out the Penguins

By Nashville Predators
Shea Weber suffered a subluxed kneecap during Game Two of the Nashville Predators playoff series against the Chicago Blackhawks. After multiple evaluations, Shea underwent a medical procedure. He is expected to make a full recovery within four to six weeks.
- FourFeathers773

and below on the Nashville fansite, one of their fans posted:

Jeff Coats · Director, Market Development at Intertape Polymer Group
Hope he's ok for the 2nd round.
Reply · Like · Follow Post · 4 minutes ago

For the love of...why does Q keep playing 44? It makes no sense whatsoever .

NHL Public Relations @PR_NHL · Apr 26
Per @EliasSports: @NHLBlackhawks are 1st in #StanleyCup Playoffs history to have 2 different goalies record a win in relief in same series.

For the love of...why does Q keep playing 44? It makes no sense whatsoever .
- rnewman291

Dunno. But I am very happy that he swapped TT and Steeg.

Funny, I was thinking about this after I posted the blog today. Minnesota might be faster than Nashville or the Rangers, but the Hawks can pretty much negate that if they back check and maintain offensive zone pressure like they did at times versus Nashville. No team is breaking out with speed after being pinned in their own end for 45 seconds to a minute. And if they do, Hossa, Kane, TT, Saad need to be on their horses and the Hawks will be just fine.

The Hawks have a huge advantage at forward up and down the lineup if their forwards play like they can (as outlined above).

Yes, huge. This team is stacked, like generationally stacked, at forward, especially if Saad and/or TT can step a bit going forward. Toews and Kane are elite players, Hossa is still nearly elite, albeit in a more of a 2-way style. Sharp and Saad are very good hockey players. Kruger, Shaw, Bickell, even Vermette just need to do their jobs. TT would be a huge bonus if he can add something.
- John Jaeckel

Hossa is a first ballot HOF guy. Keith is going to be in the HOF if he continues at this pace, especially if playing at a high level at 40. Kane will be a HOF player. Toews will be an HOF player. That is provided neither suffer a career ending injury. How many teams have that insane luxury?

The Blues are a lot like the Preds where if you shut down Tarasenko or Forsberg and refrain from consuming a bowl of stupid for breakfast than the other guys are rarely going to beat you over a 7 game playoff series. They just aren't good enough.

I'd say the same for Minnesota. They may try and slow the game down but unless there is a melt down of some sorts, which nearly happened against Nashville, this should be the Hawks in 6 again. Maybe 5 if they can keep it tight.

Either way it should be interesting to see how things shake out. Some really interesting second round match ups, especially if Daytoit wins.

Dunno. But I am very happy that he swapped TT and Steeg.
- CBHawks88

Super (frank)ig happy. Hopefully it sticks.

I know you dont play for OT ..but in an OT situation TT has a legit chance to win the game every time he is on the ice. Versteeg has a chance to lose the game for his team every time he is on the ice.

The Hawks have a huge advantage at forward up and down the lineup if their forwards play like they can (as outlined above).

Yes, huge. This team is stacked, like generationally stacked, at forward, especially if Saad and/or TT can step a bit going forward. Toews and Kane are elite players, Hossa is still nearly elite, albeit in a more of a 2-way style. Sharp and Saad are very good hockey players. Kruger, Shaw, Bickell, even Vermette just need to do their jobs. TT would be a huge bonus if he can add something.

And there you have it.....our guys are better than their guys......maybe they have a hotter goalie but he had little to do with beating the goalieless big bad blues (who doesn't)..........they can't match up with us and while their top 2d is as good as our top 2, our top 4 is quite a bit better and it will be Q's headache to hide our #5 and especially #6. I think it's a 5 or 6 game series.......as in past years, we needed our awakening and I think we've past that..........not expecting TT to be a factor but having Saad and Bickell going make us really different

Funny, I was thinking about this after I posted the blog today. Minnesota might be faster than Nashville or the Rangers, but the Hawks can pretty much negate that if they back check and maintain offensive zone pressure like they did at times versus Nashville. No team is breaking out with speed after being pinned in their own end for 45 seconds to a minute. And if they do, Hossa, Kane, TT, Saad need to be on their horses and the Hawks will be just fine.

The Hawks have a huge advantage at forward up and down the lineup if their forwards play like they can (as outlined above).

Yes, huge. This team is stacked, like generationally stacked, at forward, especially if Saad and/or TT can step a bit going forward. Toews and Kane are elite players, Hossa is still nearly elite, albeit in a more of a 2-way style. Sharp and Saad are very good hockey players. Kruger, Shaw, Bickell, even Vermette just need to do their jobs. TT would be a huge bonus if he can add something.
- John Jaeckel

JJ, I really have serious doubts about the Wild being faster than the Rangers. They probably looked fast just because the Blues weren't. Vanek, Pomminville, Stewart, Coyle and Brodziak are OK but they aren't burners.

The Wild are going to give the Hawks all they can handle this year and falling behind by 3 goals against this team is certain disaster. What they are going to try to do is suffocate the Hawks offence and look for turnovers, which I think you would agree they do with great frequency.

Every time I watch the Wild I want to throw up, all I can think of is Jacques Lemaire.

Does Ovechkin finally step up in the playoffs and lead his team to victory in game 7?

Does Ovechkin finally step up in the playoffs and lead his team to victory in game 7?
- ehawk

I picked them to win the series .... But ...... i dunno.

Does Ovechkin finally step up in the playoffs and lead his team to victory in game 7?
- ehawk

I picked them to win the series .... But ...... i dunno.

I picked them to win the series .... But ...... i dunno.
- mrploves33

I did too, won't be mad if they mess up my bracket though, would like to see them exit after round 1

I like Q again! I bought a box of a cigars that both he and I laud. Monte Cristo #4, might have heard if it? Thanks, Edinburgh! It's been his smoke of choice for such events as cup victories! I'm gonna smoke this stick RFN. That's the best 4 lines in the game, f'n finally, eh?!

JJ, I really have serious doubts about the Wild being faster than the Rangers. They probably looked fast just because the Blues weren't. Vanek, Pomminville, Stewart, Coyle and Brodziak are OK but they aren't burners.

The Wild are going to give the Hawks all they can handle this year and falling behind by 3 goals against this team is certain disaster. What they are going to try to do is suffocate the Hawks offence and look for turnovers, which I think you would agree they do with great frequency.

Every time I watch the Wild I want to throw up, all I can think of is Jacques Lemaire.
- RickJ

Depends on who Yeo dresses. Haula and Bergenheim are both faster options than Cook and Carter. Haula, in particular, can fly. I think the Rangers are faster but not by much. Nino and Haula were killing us last year and Nino has found his game again. Haula is in the dog house or hurt. Hopefully, he stays there.

I like Q again! I bought a box of a cigars that both he and I laud. Monte Cristo #4, might have heard if it? Thanks, Edinburgh! It's been his smoke of choice for such events as cup victories! I'm gonna smoke this stick RFN. That's the best 4 lines in the game, f'n finally, eh?!
- WJDiedrich

Viva Fidel!

Commie....

Josh Cooper is getting fed up with the Wing's interference. Others are finally noticing the lack of obstruction calls in the NHL.....

http://sports.yahoo.com/b...-lightning-203531164.html

Per the Tampa Bay Times, the Coop is up to some sort of lawyering Jedi type mind trick. Or just complaining about refs via reporters … which always looks sore. This was said Sunday.

"There are 30 teams in the league and nobody does (interference) more than the Detroit Red Wings, hands down," coach Jon Cooper said. "The old saying is, 'If you ain't cheating, you ain't trying.' They do it to a 'T'.

"My message to our guys is you've got to suck it up, got to fight through it. And if they're bringing it, you've got to bring a gun to a knife fight. That's how it has to go. So to get on them, we have to be better."

Many a media person have been easily charmed by Cooper’s oratory gifts, myself included. He’s a lawyer, and a smart dude. There has to be some reason why he would resort to such chatter with his team down 3-2, right?

ESPN’s John Buccigross took the Coop’s side with this tweet.

Why is scoring down? Why aren't best players scoring? Blatant interference uncalled. I don't care who wins ... https://t.co/o3IktAFQei
— John Buccigross (@Buccigross) April 25, 2015