Round One : Nashville Predators v Chicago Blackhawks

[Kerfuffle]

No team is an easy out. But I do believe the Hawks will step it up in the playoffs. If not, it will be a first round exit.

[Misc. Blues]

No team is an easy out. But I do believe the Hawks will step it up in the playoffs. If not, it will be a first round exit.

So the Hawks will win or they will lose?

[cprice12]

No team is an easy out. But I do believe the Hawks will step it up in the playoffs. If not, it will be a first round exit.

So the Hawks will win or they will lose?

Those do seem like the two options available.
One if they play well...and the other if they don't. Makes sense to me.

Kerfuffle could be on the playoff preview show on the NHL Network.

[JesusNEVERexisted]

Even with Kane back too many other Hawks have been underperforming. I know Kane's return could help them but it's a question mark.

I think the Hawks could win but I still think Nashville has a slight edge and they could win in 6 or 7 games.

[Misc. Blues]

Even with Kane back too many other Hawks have been underperforming. I know Kane's return could help them but it's a question mark.

I think the Hawks could win but I still think Nashville has a slight edge and they could win in 6 or 7 games.

I want the Hawks to win so the Blues can smoke them in the second round...

[The Flake]

As poorly as the Hawks have played, the Preds have been just as bad down the stretch. Hawks in 6.

[ecbm]

My limited anecdotal experience tells me collarbone breaks can recur.

Have to say, I'd be telling my guys to hit him as much as possible (they'd probably try to do that anyway though).

Picked the Hawks here, see no reason to change. Rinne could steal it though.

[Kerfuffle]

My limited anecdotal experience tells me collarbone breaks can recur.

Have to say, I'd be telling my guys to hit him as much as possible (they'd probably try to do that anyway though).

Picked the Hawks here, see no reason to change. Rinne could steal it though.

The Preds know that if they run him we'll just run their guys. Plus no player wants to get a 5 min major just to take out another guy. I don't believe the doctors would clear him if he was high risk.

[cprice12]

My limited anecdotal experience tells me collarbone breaks can recur.

Have to say, I'd be telling my guys to hit him as much as possible (they'd probably try to do that anyway though).

Picked the Hawks here, see no reason to change. Rinne could steal it though.

The Preds know that if they run him we'll just run their guys. Plus no player wants to get a 5 min major just to take out another guy. I don't believe the doctors would clear him if he was high risk.

I don't think anyone is suggesting running him, but you can be sure they are going to finish their checks on him. But he'll know this is coming.

[JesusNEVERexisted]

As poorly as the Hawks have played, the Preds have been just as bad down the stretch. Hawks in 6.

The Preds have played better since they had 6 or 7 game losing streak in the winter. They seem to be able to turn it up when pressed and the Hawks pretty lousy performance the last 2 weeks led to me to thinking the Preds have a slight edge.

The Hawks are getting mostly perimeter shots and aren't going to the net to do the dirty work. Even with Kane back I can't see them winning a series if they don't change that.

[Robb_K]

I don't think The Preds will be able to score enough to match The Blackhawks over 7 games (assuming Kane is healthy and plays well). Rinne will have to get back to his early-season form, and lines other than the Forsberg line will have to contribute goals. I think that Ribeiro won't be anywhere near as effective as he was in the regular season, in the loose checking that occurs because teams can't play all out for 82 games. He and Neal won't be nearly as effective facing tough checking. I think The Hawks will turn on their playoff gear, and win in 6 games (I hope I'm wrong).

[ecbm]

My limited anecdotal experience tells me collarbone breaks can recur.

Have to say, I'd be telling my guys to hit him as much as possible (they'd probably try to do that anyway though).

Picked the Hawks here, see no reason to change. Rinne could steal it though.

The Preds know that if they run him we'll just run their guys. Plus no player wants to get a 5 min major just to take out another guy. I don't believe the doctors would clear him if he was high risk.

I don't think anyone is suggesting running him, but you can be sure they are going to finish their checks on him. But he'll know this is coming.

Exactly what I meant. I don't advocate dirty hockey, ever. You don't try to hurt guys but you finish your checks...and see what happens.

That's sound analysis if you ask me, Robb_K. Chicago's better offensive depth should tell unless Rinne steals a couple games.

[cprice12]

One good reason why the Predators will never win the cup.
This sign is on display inside Bridgestone Arena.



And I am told it isn't a new sign either. Been there for a while.

[Kerfuffle]

One good reason why the Predators will never win the cup.
This sign is on display inside Bridgestone Arena.



And I am told it isn't a new sign either. Been there for a while.

In addition to being inaccurate they are also stealing our slogan OneGoal - we've been using it every year since 2008-2009.

[cprice12]

It just doesn't make any sense.

Why? WHY?!!?
Why would you have an official sign in your building that says you are Stanley Cup champs when you aren't????

That just baffles me. And is a great way to jinx your entire franchise.

[Misc. Blues]

It just doesn't make any sense.

Why? WHY?!!?
Why would you have an official sign in your building that says you are Stanley Cup champs when you aren't????

That just baffles me. And is a great way to jinx your entire franchise.

I think Tommy should sue....

[cprice12]

It just doesn't make any sense.

Why? WHY?!!?
Why would you have an official sign in your building that says you are Stanley Cup champs when you aren't????

That just baffles me. And is a great way to jinx your entire franchise.

I think Tommy should sue....

[Kerfuffle]

It just doesn't make any sense.

Why? WHY?!!?
Why would you have an official sign in your building that says you are Stanley Cup champs when you aren't????

That just baffles me. And is a great way to jinx your entire franchise.

I think they're going by the writing on the left side of it that says anything is possible - so it's like saying 'this is our dream'. But I agree it's misleading.

[cprice12]

It just doesn't make any sense.

Why? WHY?!!?
Why would you have an official sign in your building that says you are Stanley Cup champs when you aren't????

That just baffles me. And is a great way to jinx your entire franchise.

I think they're going by the writing on the left side of it that says anything is possible - so it's like saying 'this is our dream'. But I agree it's misleading.

Ok, I see that now...but I didn't even think of that when I read it. It's VERY misleading.

[cprice12]

Darling is keeping the Hawks in this game. He has made like 3 or 4 great saves in the 3rd so far.