Just in case you're serious this time, I don't agree with everything, but I agree it could happen if there is a lot of special teams play. Five on five and they cover Arvedssen(sp?)
then I'd think the hawks would come out on top.
- 6628

Hawks need to move their feet, avoid dumb penalties, be the agitators as opposed to the agitated, keep Nashville off the power play. They do that, they should be fine.

I also think Hartman-Kruger-Hossa is gonna be a real problem for Nashville, especially if they can keep one of Nashville's scoring lines bogged down in their own end.

Edm blogger on McDavid: He’s the best player in the NHL and the Oilers don’t have to apologize to anybody for that. And make no mistake, he’s the best player in the NHL. It isn’t Crosby anymore (who is still fantastic). This kid is the game-genie of the National Hockey League. He’s too fast, too skilled, too smart, and too driven.


hmmmm...agree or not?

oil could win the pacific with a win and edm loss....and so far so good
- bogiedoc

He's damn good, that's for sure.

Blackhawks Breakdown @HawksBreakdown
2h

When Kruger and Hartman are on the ice together at 5v5 (238 minutes this season), CHI takes 60% of total shots, scores 73% of total goals.
- jt19

Correct, and add arguably the best (definitely one of the best) 2-way winger of the last 15-20 years in . . . and what do you get?

You gotta be poopting me! The Subban - Weber trade makes so much difference. That grenade launcher from the Blue line was the Preds #1 weapon in the playoffs. Preds are a lesser team now.
- Mrwirtz

Subban might not be Weber, but he can still bring it from the point. Preds are dangerous, especially if Rinne is hot.

Remembering last summer and the rumors going around about players the Blackhawks should acquire. For what it is worth:

Jiri Hudler: GP: 32; G: 3; A: 8; P: 11
Jimmy Vesey GP: 80; G: 17; A: 12; P: 27

Ryan Hartman GP: 76; G: 19; A: 12; P: 31
Nick Schmaltz GP: 61; G: 6; A: 22; P: 28

I can't even remember the other rumors. But credit to Stan, the front office, and Q on the roster choices.
- matt_ahrens

He desperately went after Vesey and also pursued Hudler. I guess missing on a target was a good move to some.

The GOOD move he made wasn't those, but NOT getting that player from Detroit and not trading futures for a cap restricting player or flavor of the week. To me Stan's TDL was actually pretty awesome...he improved D-depth by moving a guy who was gone this summer anyway and held serve on everything else (we'd probably be without Hartman, DeBrincat and Forsling now had he gone in big for a splash move). So it looks like Stan is trying to win now, but with an eye on the future. On that end I'm very pleased.

Oh yea, the Hawks still haven't won anything yet.

Congrats to Bickell and everything he did for the Hawks

Classy player, took a huge team friendly deal prior to him leading the team to Cup #2. Would never have won it without him. Guy is an absolute warrior and was a pleasure to watch his career. The MS doesn't stand a chance against him. Thanks, Bick and best wishes
- PatShart

Bickell should have won the Conn Smythe and that's not on slam on CC Bicks just had a awesome playoff run in 2013. Kudos to the Canes organization they showed a lot of class. I hope the Hawks can do a "One Last Shift" for Bicks so Chicago can give him a Chicago send off.

Bickell should have won the Conn Smythe and that's not on slam on CC Bicks just had a awesome playoff run in 2013. Kudos to the Canes organization they showed a lot of class. I hope the Hawks can do a "One Last Shift" for Bicks so Chicago can give him a Chicago send off.
- jhawk159

I thought Dave Bolland deserved it in 2010, given the job he did on his respective lines. Sometimes the CS is politics. Now Duns absolutely deserved it in 2015 so they got that one right. Of course, Bolland not winning it in 2010 and Toews winning it necessitated trading Andrew Ladd. Had Toews NOT won the CS in 2010 the Hawks are in better shape for a repeat in 2011.

Hawks have NOT gotten "Good luck" during this great run...Panarin barely gets his bonus, Toews gets his bonus, salary cap doesn't go up, etc...and still they remain at the top of the game. Amazing.

Havent heard Neal's name connected to any dirty poop in a while, hopefully it stays that way.

That guy is right up there with Torres as far as dirty poopheads go

Havent heard Neal's name connected to any dirty poop in a while, hopefully it stays that way.

That guy is right up there with Torres as far as dirty poopheads go
- BlazinMike

Quiet before the storm, that guy is a first class jagoff, though he can shoot a hockey puck really well.

I mean if you arent a bandwagon fan then you arent a bandwagon fan. Point is there are a poopload of bandwagon hawksuckers out there and in attendance. Some people think its funny and edgy to wear opposing team gear and be an obnoxious douche at the games. It happened in the Detroit days, it'll keep happening as long as Chicago stays successful. Its like out of state Patriots fans. Games have to be played for a reason and anything can happen.

I'm respecting my team, not disrespecting yours. A notion that alot of fans visiting opposing arenas should take into consideration. GL hawkbros cause were all in for a rough ride.
- Pig

No question there's some of that. But they are in the minority, and they are obnoxious doushces back in Chicago as well. No matter where I go, concerts especially, there is always someone that's an bumhole. I sometimes think guys have bail money budgeted in for some events. But the vast majority are not like that.

You guys have a great town to visit down there. I always go out of my way to act like a welcome guest and I suggest others do likewise. I mean it's a game ffs. Having a good time doesn't mean pissing on someone else.

Bickell should have won the Conn Smythe and that's not on slam on CC Bicks just had a awesome playoff run in 2013. Kudos to the Canes organization they showed a lot of class. I hope the Hawks can do a "One Last Shift" for Bicks so Chicago can give him a Chicago send off.
- jhawk159

They may not have the most storied history, or a lot of recent success, but the Canes sure do put an emphasis on making sure guys are treated right.

It's a shame Bickell's career is ending for the reason it is, but I'm glad the Canes got to be a part of it. He's a tremendous individual and the guys in the room can't speak highly enough of him as a teammate and as a person.

They may not have the most storied history, or a lot of recent success, but the Canes sure do put an emphasis on making sure guys are treated right.

It's a shame Bickell's career is ending for the reason it is, but I'm glad the Canes got to be a part of it. He's a tremendous individual and the guys in the room can't speak highly enough of him as a teammate and as a person.
- BINGO!

All around good kid, by all accounts and yes, kudos to the Canes organization for treating him right all the way

All around good kid, by all accounts and yes, kudos to the Canes organization for treating him right all the way
- John Jaeckel

Big props to the Flyers too. They gave him a video tribute and an ovation...


.... And then fist bumps after he scored in the shootout.

Big props to the Flyers too. They gave him a video tribute and an ovation...


.... And then fist bumps after he scored in the shootout.
- BINGO!

Definitely major props to the 'Canes and Philly for this.

Bicksie's 2013 story is even more impressive if we consider he was basically playing on one knee by the time we rolled into Beantown.

They may not have the most storied history, or a lot of recent success, but the Canes sure do put an emphasis on making sure guys are treated right.

It's a shame Bickell's career is ending for the reason it is, but I'm glad the Canes got to be a part of it. He's a tremendous individual and the guys in the room can't speak highly enough of him as a teammate and as a person.
- BINGO!

Happy for Bicks and his recovery. The guy was a beast when healthy and a huge factor in the 2013 Cup.

Remembering last summer and the rumors going around about players the Blackhawks should acquire. For what it is worth:

Jiri Hudler: GP: 32; G: 3; A: 8; P: 11
Jimmy Vesey GP: 80; G: 17; A: 12; P: 27

Ryan Hartman GP: 76; G: 19; A: 12; P: 31
Nick Schmaltz GP: 61; G: 6; A: 22; P: 28

I can't even remember the other rumors. But credit to Stan, the front office, and Q on the roster choices.
- matt_ahrens

Vesey was GP: 80; G: 16; A: 11; P: 27 and 7 of those goals came in the first 15 or so games. He was also a -13, which wouldn't have played well for Q. First and foremost the Hawks preach defensive responsibility.

Vesey was GP: 80; G: 16; A: 11; P: 27 and 7 of those goals came in the first 15 or so games. He was also a -13, which wouldn't have played well for Q. First and foremost the Hawks preach defensive responsibility.
- TheTrob

Vesey is a talented kid no doubt. Its unknown what the Rangers asked him to do scheme wise. Im sure Q would have dialed him in in terms of two way play.

They may not have the most storied history, or a lot of recent success, but the Canes sure do put an emphasis on making sure guys are treated right.

It's a shame Bickell's career is ending for the reason it is, but I'm glad the Canes got to be a part of it. He's a tremendous individual and the guys in the room can't speak highly enough of him as a teammate and as a person.
- BINGO!

Sorry if this has already been posted, but this is a link to support the Brian and Amanda Bickell Foundation. Scroll down and watch the video of Bick's teammates surprising him at the MS walk.

https://www.booster.com/b...modal-v1-2&side&type&zoom

Vesey is a talented kid no doubt. Its unknown what the Rangers asked him to do scheme wise. Im sure Q would have dialed him in in terms of two way play.
- z1990z

Great point. It's not "either or." Hawks could have signed Vesey and he could have had an entirely different first year in Chicago. Or not.

But either way, they would have been adding another nice talented asset to the development stable.

If the Hawks can maintain a high forecheck and run enough lines to maintain it for 60 minutes they should dispatch Nashville with out a lot of complications. Rinne is not what he was before his hip went all wonky and I doubt he could steal a series himself.

If the Hawks give Subban space to push the play and pucks start getting behind Seabrook and TVR and penalties pile up then they are going to run into problems regardless of Nashville's goaltending situation and their bleh third pairing.

Hawks probably in 5 but it may take 6 depending on what the referees decide are penalties on a given night.

Havent heard Neal's name connected to any dirty poop in a while, hopefully it stays that way.

That guy is right up there with Torres as far as dirty poopheads go
- BlazinMike

good for him...he stated after one of his suspensions last year that he was going to pull his poop together and avoid that jagbag stuff...

that quick wrister of his is quite a snipe...very dangerous offensive player...

good for him...he stated after one of his suspensions last year that he was going to pull his poop together and avoid that jagbag stuff...

that quick wrister of his is quite a snipe...very dangerous offensive player...
- bogiedoc

He's a piece of poop.

First round schedule is out or partially out. I can't believe they're actually starting a game before 830pm central oh wait game 3 at Nashville 930pm start Eastern...thanks Gary.

https://www.nhl.com/news/...c-280159064?tid=287339198
- DK002

Right I'm shocked:


Game 1 — Thursday, April 13: Predators at Blackhawks, 7 p.m. on CSN and live stream on CSNChicago.com and NBC Sports App

Game 2 — Saturday, April 15: Predators at Blackhawks, 7 p.m. on NBC and live stream on NBCSports.com and NBC Sports App

Game 3 — Monday, April 17: Blackhawks at Predators, 8:30 p.m. on CSN and live stream on CSNChicago.com and NBC Sports App

Game 4 — Thursday, April 20: Blackhawks at Predators, TBD

*Game 5 — Saturday, April 22: Predators at Blackhawks, TBD

*Game 6 — Monday, April 24: Blackhawks at Predators, TBD

*Game 7 — Wednesday, April 26: Predators at Blackhawks, TBD

He's damn good, that's for sure.
- John Jaeckel

EDM was bound to hit on one of those top picks eventually

Big props to the Flyers too. They gave him a video tribute and an ovation...


.... And then fist bumps after he scored in the shootout.
- BINGO!

NHL has really evolved and come a long way in the past 10-15 years