RealGM

So what does everyone (ha) think? Probably the best match-up out of the three possibilities there in the end. A team that just held on to a PO spot and without Pominville and (I think) Heatley. On paper the most lop-sided match-up of the POs at least.

Yeah, I'm pretty sure Heatley is done for the season. I'm the first to admit that I don't really know a huge amount about the Wild, but I think we should definitely take this series if we play to our potential. In years gone by we have had a tendency to have what I can only assume are mental lapses at key moments. We've had the talent since the 2010 team, but it seems that we haven't used that talent in important games in the last couple of years. This year though, we seem to have a different attitude and approach to things. That serious killer-instinct, got something to prove attitude seems to shine through with this group, and I think if we maintain that attitude and mindset, and we don't suffer any serious injuries, we have a great chance of winning not just this series but the Stanley Cup as well.

Good win last night, Crawford was huge in net. Patrick Kane was delightful, 4 or 5 times he created chances for teammates out of nothing. Hosea was also excellent. What a pass from Oduya to Stalberg, though, and Bickell with the cool finish.

Yeah, solid win the other night. Crawford played great after that stinker.

TNBT wrote:Yeah, I'm pretty sure Heatley is done for the season. I'm the first to admit that I don't really know a huge amount about the Wild, but I think we should definitely take this series if we play to our potential. In years gone by we have had a tendency to have what I can only assume are mental lapses at key moments. We've had the talent since the 2010 team, but it seems that we haven't used that talent in important games in the last couple of years. This year though, we seem to have a different attitude and approach to things. That serious killer-instinct, got something to prove attitude seems to shine through with this group, and I think if we maintain that attitude and mindset, and we don't suffer any serious injuries, we have a great chance of winning not just this series but the Stanley Cup as well.

I'd agree, and that win showed the difference in mindset from the last couple of years big time last night I think. They would never have won a game like that last year. Lots of patience shown in not getting frustrated with the way the Wild were playing. They've been winning the close games all year.

Patrick Kane is magic, that is all. My goodness.

Midway Bully wrote:Patrick Kane is magic, that is all. My goodness.

He's the best passer in the league.

Hawks blue line is so much better than Pittsburgh. I'm not afraid of the Pens.

Kane does it again, a good pass to Keith to tie it up. Hawks haven't been at their best most of the game, but they tie it up with over a minute left. OT coming up. That 2nd goal by Minny finally woke the team up.

Well that ending was ugly. Not really surprised or worried tbh though. Watching this team the past 5 playoffs I kind of expected it to be 2-1 at this point. They always come out "flat" the first game of the PO's. The Wild's best game of the series being their first at home and in a must win ain't exactly surprising either. Just need game 4.

Love the game today. I didn't get to see it, but I was in my room with my laptop plugged into my stereo, listening to the radio coverage of the game on the Blackhawks website. I felt pretty confident going into the game because I was wearing my lucky Toews jersey. I don't know what it is, but good things seem to happen when I wear that jersey. Great to see Sharpie get on the board twice, and Bickell chipped in another. I think pretty much every Hawks fan wanted him gone in the off-season, but with the way he, Shaw and Stalberg have combined, I'd be REALLY hesitant to break that line up. Do you guys think he's earned himself a new contract? Or is it just a case of a player in a contract year working hard to get paid?

Let's close this thing out!!

Let's Go Hawks!

Great win! Bring on Detroit or Anaheim.

TNBT wrote:Love the game today. I didn't get to see it, but I was in my room with my laptop plugged into my stereo, listening to the radio coverage of the game on the Blackhawks website. I felt pretty confident going into the game because I was wearing my lucky Toews jersey. I don't know what it is, but good things seem to happen when I wear that jersey. Great to see Sharpie get on the board twice, and Bickell chipped in another. I think pretty much every Hawks fan wanted him gone in the off-season, but with the way he, Shaw and Stalberg have combined, I'd be REALLY hesitant to break that line up. Do you guys think he's earned himself a new contract? Or is it just a case of a player in a contract year working hard to get paid?

Yes to the first question, and a sorta yes to the second. He was fighting for his NHL life this year and it showed. At the same time it sometimes takes a while for those PF types to find their groove. I could see him getting Brouwer money from some team easily this year. If he does stay with the Hawks I'd hope to see something in the 2-2.5 range but if the hawks go far with him playing like he has...

I guess that's the question too though. Looking at the cap situation you'd think at least one of Stalberg or Bickell (and probably Frolik too) would have to go. Who do you guys think they keep? Bickell would probably be a little cheaper, but Stalberg has been more consistently better over the past two years. He also has that game-changing speed that not many teams can deal with. At the same time at their best I like Bickell a bit better as he brings that needed physical play. I think it's a tough decision, although they luckily have a lot of good wing prospects who could fill in pretty well next year I think.

Posey H8er wrote:Great win! Bring on Detroit or Anaheim.

Can't play Anaheim until the conference finals. At this point it's either Detroit or San Jose. I like the hawks chances against either but I'd love to see them play detroit. One last beat down before they head east

Posey H8er wrote:Great win! Bring on Detroit or Anaheim.

Detroit or San Jose*

Would rather play San Jose, tbh. Dealt with them pretty well this season. Detroit always gives us trouble, and it'll be a face off nightmare. That being said, I'd rather not face Anaheim later on either, that's a team that can match the Hawks speed, and they're a bit more aggressive.

Detroit it is. Can't wait, epic rivalry.