Re: The NHL Thread
 

Why is this so crazy. Just because I cheer for the Blackhawks doesn't mean I have to be a bonehead fan who believes his favorite team won't lose.

To me the Preds are similar to the Kings in that they have a ton of depth at center, an extremely strong core of defensemen, and a puck possession style of play that is well suited to the playoffs.

Blackhawks most definitely have the edge in the forward department, but you definitely have to wonder if Kane will be 100%, how the lines will come together with him back in the lineup, and the defensive pairings have some serious questions.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

The Preds/Hawks series was one of my tougher ones to come up with a prediction for. Leaning towards Hawks because of the experience. Love the Preds (including my current fave NHL-er, Weber), but I think the Hawks will take 'em.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Wassup peeps! In case you didn't see in the bracket challenge and to have it here for historical purposes. Here are THE correct picks for round 1:

Blues in 6
Hawks in 7
Ducks in 6
Canucks in 7

Canadiens in 7
Lightning in 6
Rangers in 5
Isles in 7

Re: The NHL Thread
 

The Preds have stunk down the stretch and the Hawks have the experience and maybe Kane back. Preds could win, but I wouldn't put money on it.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Experience is a bit overrated. Hawks have lost 4 in a row coming into the playoffs. How they have played down the stretch means next to nothing.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

So posted the Mrazek thing while working and wanted to put down thoughts. I'm not totally surprised, but a little. It's a big responsibility in game 1 when you've never done it before. Really thought Babcock would have said "It's your's Howie, not take it." but he had a few chances the last few games and couldn't do it so... Howard left and didn't talk to the media, I don't like that at all. I'm sure it sucks but part of your job is to talk to the media. Babcock's job is to win and you've given up softies Jimmy. Own it and be there for your teammate. This shouldn't be, but could end up being a Luongo thing. At least Howard's contract isn't that bad.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Experience is overrated guys

Re: The NHL Thread
 

I disagree. Ask the 2010 Hawks if the experience of getting their asses kicked in 2009 by the Wings was beneficial or not. Red Wings benefited from 2007, Pens from 2008, Hawks from 2009 and I'm sure there are others.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

I was making fun of Bron. Experience is the opposite of overrated.

If the Hawks win the Stanley Cup in the woods, and only Bron is watching, did anybody cheer?

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Because you WOULD be the only guy to pick against his team.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

And momentum is a lie.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Not that I agree with much, if anything, that Bron says, but the Pens fans seem to be picking the Rags across the board, because realism.

East:
Sens in 6
Tampa Bay in 6
Rags in 4
Isles in 7

West:
Blues in 6
Hawks in 6
Ducks in 5
Flames in 7

Re: The NHL Thread
 

And I'm picking against the Wings because they have struggled a lot, especially against the good teams. And by everyone's guesses, they are picking TBL too. Wings COULD do it, if they get back to playing the way they did around the trade deadline, but it's hard to just flip that switch.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

:thumbsup If Crosby and Malkin play up to their capabilities, Kris Letang gets un-concussed, and the supporting cast stops sucking, then the Pens have a shot. Being the hopeful optimist, I'm hoping this happens. I just don't think it actually will.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

The other side of the coin is that the Hawks had no playoff experience and still made the conference finals in 08-09.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

you mean sheer talent can mask lack of experience? maybe experience can make up for lack of talent? maybe it's all B.S.

and they got absolutely HOUSED by a much more EXPERIENCED Detroit team.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

My picks:

West:

1. Ducks-4
W. Jets-1

2. Canucks-4
3. Flames-3

1. Blues-2
W. Wild-4

2. Preds-3
3. Hawks-4


EAST:

1. Rangers-4
W. Penguins-1

2. Caps-4
3. Icelanders-2

1. Habs-4
W. Sens-3

2. Lightning-4
3. Red Wings-0

Best part of the playoffs is that I have no idea. Only picked the 4-0 because I think Tampa are a serous threat to get out of the east. They are the only team in the East that worries me on paper.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

If I was a betting man, I would say Caps in 6 is the most likely scenario. Caps are playing real well right now and we are banged up and not playing all that well. Hamonic not at the rink today and I am assuming he may not go Wednesday and will be limited if he does. I just don't like our chances. Of course, anything can happen and we are quite capable of winning the series.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Shame on you guys for picking the Caps.

Ovechkin will never win a Stanley Cup.

Go Isles.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Nobody cares, Crash

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Man speaks truths. Isles in 2

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Flyers in....oh wait....

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Rumors going around tonight Hamonic has a torn acl. Please let that not be true.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

74 and 75.

Caps in.....

Re: The NHL Thread
 

:lol

Damn

Re: The NHL Thread
 

The last few posts make me feel a lot better about my team haha

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Vermette a healthy scratch for game 1? I don't know how he's been playing (I know he hasn't scored) but that sucks. Hawks gave up a lot for him and he hated leaving Phoenix and now he'll be sitting in game 1.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

My picks:

West:

1. Ducks-3
W. Jets-4

2. Canucks-4
3. Flames-3

1. Blues-3
W. Wild-4

2. Preds-2
3. Hawks-4


EAST:

1. Rangers-4
W. Penguins-1

2. Caps-4
3. Islanders-3

1. Habs-4
W. Sens-3

2. Lightning-4
3. Red Wings-2


Rangers/Penguins is the only series I don't think will be close. Picking against Anaheim feels right.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Mike Milbury picked a Bruins-Kings final at the start of the year :lol

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Whoops. But to be honest, did any of us pick those two teams missing the playoffs?