Ducks w/ Boudreau, I figured someone would beat him in a Game 7 again like always. Hawks, well, I made my picks before I knew Kane was going to be back for Round 1. Also for whatever reason I just felt like after winning that division, this might be the year they get over the hump. Drawing the Wild was tough for Round 1.Most people did, but not me.
Either way, smart money was on hawks or ducks going to the cup in the west, habs or rangers in the east. I mean, I like the blues and think they are a damn great hockey team but it was never going to be their year from my perspective.
If you're a small/skilled D man who isn't used to physical play and are not good at avoiding hits, it's going to be tough sledding. Wouldn't label Mike Green as small, and he can play a little physical himself at times, but for years he was terrible at avoiding getting demolished and every team rightly used this against him. Martin and Clutterbuck tried all series to take runs at him, but he did a much better job of avoiding the "big hit". I still expect him to revert and get creamed eventually, and it still affects his play digging pucks out of our zone.The blue-lines of teams being so injured played a major factor this year. It apparently doesn't pay to be a defenseman right now (unless you like million of dollars).
If Rangers are healthy, I think they're at least 50/50 to beat anyone out West. This year wasn't like the past couple where the West was clearly better than the East.If the Ducks win another one that will really be a serious kick in the nuts for us Sharks fans. The Hawks are my only hope out of the west at this point. I still wonder if the best of the east can beat the best of the west (I doubt it).
Ahh, forgot all about the Kane rope-a-dope. Makes alittlemore sense I guess.Ducks w/ Boudreau, I figured someone would beat him in a Game 7 again like always. Hawks, well, I made my picks before I knew Kane was going to be back for Round 1. Also for whatever reason I just felt like after winning that division, this might be the year they get over the hump. Drawing the Wild was tough for Round 1.
So Stoic, if Tampa ends up winning, schedule for our series would have a potential Game 6 on a Sunday, and the potential Game 7 not until Wednesday. Fucking silly.
Yeah, I heard they were sore. All good though because Optimus Klein is finally due back. Great timing considering it was an Ovie slapper that shattered his wrist. I'm more concerned about our little hobbit. Zucc's absence will be felt keenly. Really hope MSL steps up for this series.If you're a small/skilled D man who isn't used to physical play and are not good at avoiding hits, it's going to be tough sledding. Wouldn't label Mike Green as small, and he can play a little physical himself at times, but for years he was terrible at avoiding getting demolished and every team rightly used this against him. Martin and Clutterbuck tried all series to take runs at him, but he did a much better job of avoiding the "big hit". I still expect him to revert and get creamed eventually, and it still affects his play digging pucks out of our zone.
Hearing Yandle and Staal are both a little dinged up. Expect some Tom Wilson fun.
I kinda sorta agree. It really all comes down to how Crow performs in game 1. If the Ducks chase him out or force him to give up a few, he's fucked mentally. Darling looked great filling in, but with shaky goaltending the Ducks are just gonna prey on them. Really pushing for Hawks/Rangers so I am trying to stay optimistic though! Even if they don't make it, the Rangers literally shat all over Anaheim all season so it might even be for the best.I don't think this is Chicago's year. They had a brutal first round and I expect another long series against the Wild. Even if they win as they probably should I think the Ducks come out of the west. Kings/Ducks would have been a really great series this year as those two teams match up really well but it's also pretty awesome seeing the Kings not even make it.
I don't really think the Ducks have a particularly stable netminder either.I kinda sorta agree. It really all comes down to how Crow performs in game 1. If the Ducks chase him out or force him to give up a few, he's fucked mentally. Darling looked great filling in, but with shaky goaltending the Ducks are just gonna prey on them. Really pushing for Hawks/Rangers so I am trying to stay optimistic though! Even if they don't make it, the Rangers literally shat all over Anaheim all season so it might even be for the best.
Meh, if they lose this series it is because they couldn't close out game 4. Not because of this.Kronwall gets 1 game for elbow to head. Will miss Game 7 tomorrow night. I'm a little surprised since it is Game 7, but I think the hit deserved a game.
Left his feet. Hit the dude in the head. Very much deserved.Kronwall gets 1 game for elbow to head. Will miss Game 7 tomorrow night. I'm a little surprised since it is Game 7, but I think the hit deserved a game.