So, I have a dilemma. The only game I could possibly make it to is game 6. The problem is that my wife is having back surgery that day. Should I leave the hospital early (it's about an hour north of Nashville) to "make sure the kids get to bed on time," or should I stay there? I mean, she'll probably need her rest, so in a way I'd be doing her a favor if I left early, right?

Maybe the Hawks will just win in 5, and this won't be an issue
- tvetter

Just kidding. I'm not really considering the game. Divorces are expensive!

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

Yes. I agree wholeheartedly. Bicks took is fair share of abuse on this board, deservedly or undeservedly. He may not quite be a Hawks legend in the sense of a Stan Mikita or Tony O or Bobby Hull or Toews and Kane when their careers are finished, but he played hard here and helped the team win two cups. We should all stand behind him now as he fights MS.

Yeah...I been around long enough that teams get hot, and pucks bounce funny, and nobody in the new NHL can be a team claimed to be unbeatable, because there are quite a lot of good players and even more hungry players.

I sat next to Max McNab's son in that series (because the regular seatholders who owned them simply weren't able to afford them with all that up front money old man Wirtz expected IN ADVANCE.)
Dave McNab (not Boston Centre Peter) and recognized early in game one how the North Stars were able very quickly to get under the Hawks and Keenan's skins and they were thrown off their game, and lost composure and forgot that the goal was scoring goals to win the series and despite the strong forward lines and a solid six man rotation, lost sight of what was most important and imploded as they exploded, and Shane Chula & company took them to the biiter place...
- wiz1901

I noticed during that season that early on the hawks were putting 40+ shots on net every game. About xmas that dipped to 30, and about valentines day it dropped to getting 20+. Last 10 games or so they had trouble getting to 20 and most games didn't. I called that series based on that fact. Said it then and say it still, Keenan wore them out physically and most of all mentally. If you were around Keenan you could see he knew it. With a helpless look on his face he was saying goodbye to people for the season before they lost the last game.

I want to put the face-off argument into perspective here....

Over the course of the season, Nashville is about 4 percent better at winning face-offs.

On average, if 50 face-offs take place per game, that would equate to Nashville winning 2 more per game.

In my book, that equates to no distinct advantage.
- dahawks8819

True, but it's a sliver of the whole picture. Faceoffs matter HUGELY (BIGLY) in certain situations and at certain points of the game.

Here's a beauty.

Bob Probert's ashes spread inside Joe Louis Arena penalty box
http://www.thescore.com/news/1277232
(via http://thesco.re/theScore_app )

God rest his soul.
- hocktock

Amen. That's great.

True, but it's a sliver of the whole picture. Faceoffs matter HUGELY (BIGLY) in certain situations and at certain points of the game.
- John Jaeckel

And I will add, that's why you want a top face-off guy (with requisite skills) for your o-zone situations and a top guy for your d-zone (with requisite skills) situations.

Anecdotally, Kruger's % seems to have improved a bit overall of late, which is good news, because after that it gets real dicey, real fast.

HEY

We doing a NHL bracket challenge?


I need to know today....getting on an early flight tomorrow.

I noticed during that season that early on the hawks were putting 40+ shots on net every game. About xmas that dipped to 30, and about valentines day it dropped to getting 20+. Last 10 games or so they had trouble getting to 20 and most games didn't. I called that series based on that fact. Said it then and say it still, Keenan wore them out physically and most of all mentally. If you were around Keenan you could see he knew it. With a helpless look on his face he was saying goodbye to people for the season before they lost the last game.
- 6628

Love this post, 6628.

And this guy was asking abouthe if the old timers remembered, and we knocked it out the park...

Yeah...I been around long enough that teams get hot, and pucks bounce funny, and nobody in the new NHL can be a team claimed to be unbeatable, because there are quite a lot of good players and even more hungry players.

I sat next to Max McNab's son in that series (because the regular seatholders who owned them simply weren't able to afford them with all that up front money old man Wirtz expected IN ADVANCE.)
Dave McNab (not Boston Centre Peter) and recognized early in game one how the North Stars were able very quickly to get under the Hawks and Keenan's skins and they were thrown off their game, and lost composure and forgot that the goal was scoring goals to win the series and despite the strong forward lines and a solid six man rotation, lost sight of what was most important and imploded as they exploded, and Shane Chula & company took them to the biiter place...
- wiz1901

Isn't that what the Red Wings did? They got so far under Toews's skin he became a non factor and took stupid penalties.

I don't expect the Hawks to repeat its just so hard to do.

The undeniable fact this core group knows how to win games, so many try to say even though they win games the underlying numbers are awful. Last year we were a one line team, 5 on 5 scoring was awful, that I'll agree with but the bigger reason we lost the Blues series was no #4 defenseman.

I guess we'll see, I doubted the 2015 team and they proved me wrong, really didn't think they could do it with 4 defenseman, and this year from 1-6 don't think there's a playoff team this solid on the back end, Washington very close

Amen. That's great.
- John Jaeckel

JJ, we've spoken to each other about Bob Probert a lot in the past and I think we both had very similar perspectives on him. Probert was a GOOD hockey player. It's a shame the 'role' ate him up and turned him into a circus side show. Was he tough? Oh hell yes. Could he protect and defend? Hell yes, but the fights became a joke...too much of a staged WWF side show. YES, when Probert was "defending" a guy like Yzerman his role made sense, but it's a shame Bob Probert with his size, toughness and very solid hockey skill is known historically as "a goon". It's a damn shame, because the guy had talent. By the 1990s, not only was his role "defined", but his off ice demons saw to it that he would no longer be able to score many points and take reasonable shifts. Nope, he'd take his shift when Domi, Stu, Ray, Twist or whoever was on the other side of the ice. The system destroyed this man. As he got older and younger tough guys starting to arrive (Larqque, Brashear) they went after Probie. Probie was like a wounded horse getting run against thoroughbreds by this point. It was sad to see.

We can also blame the Broadstreet Bullies for turning hockey into what it became for so long. Did I like the fights. Yes, I loved them. I loved our "tough guys". I loved Al Secord, Probie and Dave Manson was one of my favorites of the Hawks toughies. It was time to let it go. NOW, we have guys that actually can play PLAYING hockey and for the guys like Bob Probert (Lucic, Thom Wilson maybe?...a tough as hell player with some skill) who are tough who can play they can spend time with a skating coach working on skating, speed and skills instead of a boxing coach. This is hockey afterall.

I think it's worth a note that fighting did something similar to Al Secord that it did to Probert. Secord could have been SO MUCH MORE had fighting not been such a huge part of his game.

Here's a beauty.

Bob Probert's ashes spread inside Joe Louis Arena penalty box
http://www.thescore.com/news/1277232
- hocktock

But will Charlie Manson let his family spread his in the exact spot in the parking wjhere the side wall was in the old Chicago Stadium, where he charged the just out of prison Probert, and Probie grabbed him in one hand like a ragdoll, and brought him inshaking him, hit him, brought him back out from Probert's body and hit him again.

We were like, "damn, all he must have done while locked up is lifted.

I never saw again this one sided bewteen guys who were actual battlers...he shook and baked him so quickly and efficiently...it bothered me as Manson fan, hawk fan, and a Wing hater...

I noticed during that season that early on the hawks were putting 40+ shots on net every game. About xmas that dipped to 30, and about valentines day it dropped to getting 20+. Last 10 games or so they had trouble getting to 20 and most games didn't. I called that series based on that fact. Said it then and say it still, Keenan wore them out physically and most of all mentally. If you were around Keenan you could see he knew it. With a helpless look on his face he was saying goodbye to people for the season before they lost the last game.
- 6628

Never thought about this with that team 6628, but interesting observation. Back then I just watched and cheered. I rarely kept up with shot totals, zone time, etc. I just hoped the team in red and black scored 1 more than the other people. LOL...oh how I long for that vacuum of existence sometimes.

JJ, we've spoken to each other about Bob Probert a lot in the past and I think we both had very similar perspectives on him. Probert was a GOOD hockey player. It's a shame the 'role' ate him up and turned him into a circus side show. Was he tough? Oh hell yes. Could he protect and defend? Hell yes, but the fights became a joke...too much of a staged WWF side show. YES, when Probert was "defending" a guy like Yzerman his role made sense, but it's a shame Bob Probert with his size, toughness and very solid hockey skill is known historically as "a goon". It's a damn shame, because the guy had talent. By the 1990s, not only was his role "defined", but his off ice demons saw to it that he would no longer be able to score many points and take reasonable shifts. Nope, he'd take his shift when Domi, Stu, Ray, Twist or whoever was on the other side of the ice. The system destroyed this man. As he got older and younger tough guys starting to arrive (Larqque, Brashear) they went after Probie. Probie was like a wounded horse getting run against thoroughbreds by this point. It was sad to see.

We can also blame the Broadstreet Bullies for turning hockey into what it became for so long. Did I like the fights. Yes, I loved them. I loved our "tough guys". I loved Al Secord, Probie and Dave Manson was one of my favorites of the Hawks toughies. It was time to let it go. NOW, we have guys that actually can play PLAYING hockey and for the guys like Bob Probert (Lucic, Thom Wilson maybe?...a tough as hell player with some skill) who are tough who can play they can spend time with a skating coach working on skating, speed and skills instead of a boxing coach. This is hockey afterall.

I think it's worth a note that fighting did something similar to Al Secord that it did to Probert. Secord could have been SO MUCH MORE had fighting not been such a huge part of his game.
- kwolf68

Probert had above average hands and hockey sense and he was INCREDIBLY strong on his skates. Only an average skater and when he put on weight toward the end of his career, it was also around the time the game changed and got a bit faster.

Another guy I put in that huge heart category, although not really an enforcer/fighter in the truest sense was Steve Smith. Tough as nails, giant heart. And he would take guys on.

Bobby Orr, also. People forget he was pound for pound (because he only played at about 185) maybe the toughest guy in hockey when he played.

But will charlie Manson let his family spread his in the exact spot in the parking wjhere the side wall was in the old Chicago Stadium, where he charged the just out of prison Probert, and Probie grabbed him in one hand like a ragdoll, and brought him inshaking him, hit him, brought him back out from Probert's body and hit him again.

We were like, "damn, all he must have done while locked up is lifted.

I never saw again this one sided bewteen guys who were actual battlers...he shook and baked him so quickly and efficiently...it bothered me as manson fan, hawk fan, and a Wing hater...
- wiz1901

Probert was big and thick, naturally strong.

Probert had above average hands and hockey sense and he was INCREDIBLY strong on his skates. Only an average skater and when he put on weight toward the end of his career, it was also around the time the game changed and got a bit faster.

Another guy I put in that huge heart category, although not really an enforcer/fighter in the truest sense was Steve Smith. Tough as nails, giant heart. And he would take guys on.

Bobby Orr, also. People forget he was pound for pound (because he only played at about 185) maybe the toughest guy in hockey when he played.
- John Jaeckel

Probie was a perfect power forward. He could NOT be moved. Now Orr many consider the greatest all-around player ever, with all due respect to the great one. Agree on Smith...I honestly thought when Smith got to Chicago he was the last piece of the puzzle...close but no cigar his first year in. While I don't have numbers in front of me I just think the Hawks were sometimes too physical back then, too retaliatory. It was fun, but it took a toll and possibly contributed to them not reaching their absolute pinnacle. That is why I also poo-poo and argue against fighting, because I think it hurt a couple players I really liked and also hurt my favorite team in its efforts to win a Cup. the late 80s/early 90s Hawks teams were GREAT friggin hockey teams.

I see Tanner is spewing hate again today. How does that guy even qualify for space on this site?

I see Tanner is spewing hate again today. How does that guy even qualify for space on this site?
- riozzo

It's very clear his predictions are what he wishes things to be...and doesn't come from any clear thinking, objective reasons. Toronto over Washington? And if the Preds beat the Hawks it GOES 7...the Hawks have been taken out BEFORE game 7 ONE SINGLE time since the first Cup. The Yotes did it in 6...all other Hawks season ending loses went 7 and in most of those series the Hawks were well on the ropes early on, but still came back. Nashville may win it, but they damn sure won't do it in 6 barring a bunch of injuries (anyone see if Raffi Torres has been signed by the Preds?)

Raffi Torres?
*spit*

It's very clear his predictions are what he wishes things to be...and doesn't come from any clear thinking, objective reasons. Toronto over Washington? And if the Preds beat the Hawks it GOES 7...the Hawks have been taken out BEFORE game 7 ONE SINGLE time since the first Cup. The Yotes did it in 6...all other Hawks season ending loses went 7 and in most of those series the Hawks were well on the ropes early on, but still came back. Nashville may win it, but they damn sure won't do it in 6 barring a bunch of injuries (anyone see if Raffi Torres has been signed by the Preds?)
- kwolf68

I heard he changed his name to James Neal.

I heard he changed his name to James Neal.
- powerenforcer

From one steamy pile to another. Glad Torres is out of the sport and Hossa is continuing to build his Hall of Fame resume.

Raffi Torres?
*spit*
- 35Tony0

In a related note, several referee's were treated and released in recent days. All of the zebras suffered from the same affliction, a whistle caught caught in their throat swallowing them in advance of the greatest tournament in sports.

In a related note, several referee's were treated and released in recent days. All of the zebras suffered from the same affliction, a whistle caught caught in their throat swallowing them in advance of the greatest tournament in sports.
- riozzo

I am made my first and only call to Sirius hockey and Gordie was on with ex-NHL -player, Patrick O'Sullivan (five teams, four entire seaosn and parts of three others)...i called and said I thought with the league so closely watching various concern areas why wasn't the fcat that in the playoffs, and during the season, there was a notably different time allowed to punish a player who had possession but passed the puck on to a teammate.
During the season, it is about 8/10ths of a second and suddenly the playoffs start and the guy in possession, who passes the puck on, seems to be a free hit almost two or more seconds AFTER he had the puck is off his stick and it might even be on to a THIRD teammate and he gets clocked with a hit, and it is not called as "late" or roughing.

Gordie tried to play it off that it wasnt't true but the x-player O'Sullivan said, "He's right, the refs DO let that go to add to the entertainment and "let it go" style."

I think it's simply wrong and more guys get hurt in thoses situations and it goes on with the hope that you do cause injury.

Don't think that will change, but wanted "discussed."

#Blackhawks lines:
Schaltz-Toews-Panik
Panarin-Anisimov-Kane
Hartman-Kruger-Hossa
Hayden-Kero-Tootoo
5th: Jurco-Rasmussen-Hinostroza

— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) April 11, 2017

#Blackhawks lines:
Schaltz-Toews-Panik
Panarin-Anisimov-Kane
Hartman-Kruger-Hossa
Hayden-Kero-Tootoo
5th: Jurco-Rasmussen-Hinostroza

— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) April 11, 2017

- DarthKane

I'm ok with that

#Blackhawks lines:
Schaltz-Toews-Panik
Panarin-Anisimov-Kane
Hartman-Kruger-Hossa
Hayden-Kero-Tootoo
5th: Jurco-Rasmussen-Hinostroza

— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) April 11, 2017

- DarthKane

Good to see AA back in the lineup and Hayden still in the starting lineup.