NHL Thread

[Thom Yorke]

Here we go.

Interested to see how Chicago's lines play out. At first glance, you'd think it would be a no-brainer to put Chara out against Sharp-Toews-Hossa, but the size of the Bickell-Handzus combination could be tough to deal with. Last series, they put Chara and Seidenberg out against the bigger Malkin and Neal and let Ference and Boychuk, along with the Bergeron line, deal with the speed/quickness of Crosby. Still, you have to match up your best vs. their best, so it looks like Chara-Seidenberg will try to deal with the Toews line first and foremost. All I know is that they have to get the Bergeron line out against the Toews line as much as possible. Marchand could drive Toews nuts this series.

Chicago has a great group of defensemen that can all move the puck, but it'll be interesting to see if Boston's size and physicality down low can wear them down in the defensive zone. Every single one of Boston's top 6 forwards excel at cycling the puck down low, and, outside of Seguin, all their bottom 6 forwards are pretty damn good at it as well. Just have to try to bottle Chicago up in their own zone as much as possible this series, and be wary of their quick transition game. Boston's D are usually really involved on offense and love to pinch, but they have to be especially careful against a team that thrives on breakouts with their speed and puck-moving ability of their D.

Obviously the goal is to win every game, but I'd be happy going back to Boston with a split to take away home-ice. Overall, I'm saying Boston in 7.

[FRED HALE SR.]

Originally Posted by Thom Yorke

Here we go.

Interested to see how Chicago's lines play out. At first glance, you'd think it would be a no-brainer to put Chara out against Sharp-Toews-Hossa, but the size of the Bickell-Handzus combination could be tough to deal with. Last series, they put Chara and Seidenberg out against the bigger Malkin and Neal and let Ference and Boychuk, along with the Bergeron line, deal with the speed/quickness of Crosby. Still, you have to match up your best vs. their best, so it looks like Chara-Seidenberg will try to deal with the Toews line first and foremost. All I know is that they have to get the Bergeron line out against the Toews line as much as possible. Marchand could drive Toews nuts this series.

Chicago has a great group of defensemen that can all move the puck, but it'll be interesting to see if Boston's size and physicality down low can wear them down in the defensive zone. Every single one of Boston's top 6 forwards excel at cycling the puck down low, and, outside of Seguin, all their bottom 6 forwards are pretty damn good at it as well. Just have to try to bottle Chicago up in their own zone as much as possible this series, and be wary of their quick transition game. Boston's D are usually really involved on offense and love to pinch, but they have to be especially careful against a team that thrives on breakouts with their speed and puck-moving ability of their D.

Obviously the goal is to win every game, but I'd be happy going back to Boston with a split to take away home-ice. Overall, I'm saying Boston in 7.

This is gearing up to be a great series. Boston reminds me alot of the Kings team from last year. Hot goalie with a wrecking ball of a team. Distributed scoring and guys that play well on the boards. I like their makeup alot, I could see either team winning if they get their game going.

Obviously Chicago wants to create some space in open ice and run and gun with Boston. Its obvious what both teams want to do, just a matter of imposing their will on each other. I gotta stick with Chicago, I really liked the looks they were creating against LA. I'll say 7 games also. Great original six matchup for sure, looking forward to it.

[Plankton]

Coach Q is doin some shuffling to protect Kane and Toews. Either way it's party time! Gonna be a great series.

[Paul Smeenus]

Also marginally favoring Blackhawks in 7

[Ninetales]

Im leaning towards boston right now but that might just be a gut feeling on my part.

I think im more comfortable believing that seguin and jagr will find the net at some point and help Bostons score by commity style than brian bickell continuing to be fernando pisani2.0. Tht being said toews could just as easily come out of his goal scoring slump as well. Rask > Crawford as well, despite the fact that i really like crawfords style (probably because its just so awkward to watch thus similar to my own)

[Laces Out Dan!]

Im honestly surprised Coach Q has taken Bickel off that first line..He's been such a huge part of the run so far. I think you need that grit on your top end against a team like Boston as well.

Also, sad to see Dallas Eakins go to Edmonton, he was really who I thought was the front runner for the new position in Van. Its lookin like the best shot now for behind the bench is John Stevens from LA. Also..Torts had an interview yesterday with the team..as Vigneault has an interview with New York.

[Ninetales]

Originally Posted by Laces Out Dan!

I think you need that grit on your top end against a team like Boston as well.

Thats the opposite of what you need against boston imo. Cant beat them at their own game so you may as well use your fast forwards to get by their slow d.

and i cant think of a single way torts would help vancouver in any situation.

[Laces Out Dan!]

Yea, I dont think Torts is the guy for the gig.
I see where you're coming from saying you gotta beat em with skill and speed...But in the 2011 finals...all Vancouver needed was a guy like Bickel on the first line with the twins, someone to fight back a bit and let them know they wont just be pushovers..as they were.

[Paul Smeenus]

Well, to quote the great Vin Scully as Kurt Gibson hobbled up to the plate in the 9th inning of Game 1 of the 1988 World Series "Not a bad opening act!"

[FRED HALE SR.]

This is gonna be one hell of a series indeed. Both teams looked great. I thought Boston had them last night. They let their foot off the Hawks neck too early.