The NHL Playoffs have begun and should be the best playoffs ever!!!!

[Kingspoint]

The Chicago Blackhawks should win it all. They have so much talent. It'd be great for Hockey.

A Chicago/Washington Stanley Cup Final would be great.

Detroit's on a terror, and will do some damage.

It all begins in 2 hours.

Go Hawks!

[westofyou]

The Chicago Blackhawks should win it all. They have so much talent. It'd be great for Hockey.

A Chicago/Washington Stanley Cup Final would be great.

Detroit's on a terror, and will do some damage.

It all begins in 2 hours.

Go Hawks!

Goalie issues, they'll miss out.

Go Wings

[Kingspoint]

Goalie issues, they'll miss out.

Go Wings

Barry Melrose doesn't care. He says they have too much Offense that it won't matter.

[NJReds]

Same old sharks. What an uninterested group of superstars.

[westofyou]

Same old sharks. What an uninterested group of superstars.

I thought of you.... anyway i don't worry too much about game one myself (especially since my team lost!!) but the fact is the Aves will probably drop the next 4 in a row.

However the west is deep with 100 point teams and since the Olympics I'd be hard pressed to say that the Sharks/Wings/Hawks aren't all capable taking the west crown this year.

It's gonna be defense that is the deciding factor, do the Sharks have the horses? Can Blake push them over the edge? Can the Hawks stymie their goalie issue? Will the Wings have to hurdle the hot goalie in the 1st round? Which in the past (2002 Ducks) has killed them

[NJReds]

I thought of you.... anyway i don't worry too much about game one myself (especially since my team lost!!) but the fact is the Aves will probably drop the next 4 in a row.


I'm not overly concerned. But getting outshot 12-3 in the second period is telling.

Based on their results over the past few years, expectations are much lower. I'll be pleasantly surprised if they make the finals instead of being disappointed if they don't. Because of the salary cap, the roster will probably get blown up after this season whether they win the cup or not.

[Kingspoint]

I think Stan Mikita's getting a haircut for a "franchise picture".

Happy Days will be here again in Chicago.

It shall be bedlam.

The puck gets dropped tonight!

[Oxilon]

Is anybody going to be surprised when San Jose loses to Colorado for another disappointing early exit in the playoffs? I don't think I've ever witnessed a team have so much success in the regular season on a regular basis only to falter in the playoffs everytime.

By the way, it's Washington's cup to lose. Goalie issues aside, it's not going to matter with how potent their offense is and how big their defense is. The only thing they have going against them is their PK. And for what it's worth, Theodore isn't that bad. If Marty Biron can lead the Flyers to the Eastern Conference Finals a couple years back, Theodore can get the Caps to the finals.

[Kingspoint]

Is anybody going to be surprised when San Jose loses to Colorado for another disappointing early exit in the playoffs? I don't think I've ever witnessed a team have so much success in the regular season on a regular basis only to falter in the playoffs everytime.



It's almost expected.

The thing about 7-game series, is the best team always wins (except in Baseball because they put too many off days in between starts in the playoffs so ACE Pitchers can pitch more often.)

Nashville stole one from Chicago. Only 3 shots-on-goal in the 3rd period by Chicago.

[Oxilon]

Last night's ending between the Sharks and Avalanche was the epitome of the Sharks' playoff failures. Dan Boyle, really? Putting the puck in your own net in OT? Embarrassing.

[Kingspoint]

Last night's ending between the Sharks and Avalanche was the epitome of the Sharks' playoff failures. Dan Boyle, really? Putting the puck in your own net in OT? Embarrassing.

Unbelievable. And right after your previous post about them.

[Oxilon]

The Buffalo/Boston game is one helluva game so far. OT has included 10 minutes of non-stop play with some amazing goalie play.

[Oxilon]

This just in: Ryan Miller is really good. That glove save off the rebound was Patrick Roy-esqe.

[westofyou]

Power plays are OT death

[Oxilon]

Halak picked a helluva time to have a fluke career game. 53 saves on 54 shots. Compared to Montreal, which only had 22 shots. Game 7 on Wednesday.

[Hoosier Red]

How about Chicago rising from the ashes, a man down and 13.2 seconds left on Saturday, they score to get to Overtime and win in overtime.

Than they go out and win the series last night.

5-3 is a lot of fun, but I'm starting to wonder if Melrose may be right.

[westofyou]

How about Chicago rising from the ashes, a man down and 13.2 seconds left on Saturday, they score to get to Overtime and win in overtime.

Than they go out and win the series last night.

5-3 is a lot of fun, but I'm starting to wonder if Melrose may be right.

Chicago only had to score more than 3 a game to take Nashville, they had twice as much firepower on teh ice 60 minutes a game.

Surprise team so far, Flyers... they just ate the Devils lunch. But Montreal and Phoenix are giving them a push.

My prediction is each fail, Jimmy Howard has his biggest test in his life tonight.

[Oxilon]

Chicago only had to score more than 3 a game to take Nashville, they had twice as much firepower on teh ice 60 minutes a game.

Surprise team so far, Flyers... they just ate the Devils lunch. But Montreal and Phoenix are giving them a push.

My prediction is each fail, Jimmy Howard has his biggest test in his life tonight.

Eh, that's why NHL playoff seeds have to be overlooked sometimes. In the regular season, the Flyers beat the Devils 5 out of 6 times. While they're the #2 seed, it sure seems the Flyers were just a horrible matchup for the Devils, even with Kovalchuk.

Not with as much success, but the Canadians don't give the Capitals their best matchup as well. Look no further than the PP vs PK for each team. Going into the series, that seemed to be the only chance for the Habs, and it couldn't have worked out better. Even more surprising, 1/28 on the PP for the Caps -- who saw that coming?

I'd give the nod to Phoenix. I really didn't see them putting up any fight. But I'll gladly appreciate being proven wrong if it means eliminating the Wings in the first round.

[Cedric]

Go Canucks. Just because I loved Bure on NHL 94.

[texasdave]

Is it my imagination or do the Caps blow a 3-1 series lead every year?

[vaticanplum]

Is it my imagination or do the Caps blow a 3-1 series lead every year?

I actually feel like they come BACK from a 3-1 defecit an awful lot. I know they did it against the Flyers and I think also the Rangers?

[Oxilon]

Last year, the Capitals were down 3-1 to the Rangers and went on to win that series in seven. However, the year before, the Capitals were down 3-1 to the Flyers and went on to lose to the Flyers in seven. And prior to the 2007-2008 season, the Capitals playoff record was non existent until you go back to the days of Dale Hunter and Peter Bondra. Seems like the Capitals have a knack from fighting back from being down 3-1. However, them choking a 3-1 series lead would be unprecedented, due to them never really being in the situation to do so before.

[George Anderson]

I'd like to ask a question as someone who knows absolutely nothing about hockey. When a team makes a substitution you have a span of 15 seconds or so where say two guys are coming off the ice and two more who are substitutes coming on to replace them. My question is doesn't that give the team not making the substitution a pretty big advantage by having more men on the ice than the other if even for that span of 15 seconds?? Or is there something I am missing here?Also how so they guys know they are being substituted for, is there a signal given from the bench??

Sorry for the novice question but I go to alot of Indiana Ice games with my 4 year old son who loves the sport and I have always wondered about this.

[westofyou]

I'd like to ask a question as someone who knows absolutely nothing about hockey. When a team makes a substitution you have a span of 15 seconds or so where say two guys are coming off the ice and two more who are substitutes coming on to replace them. My question is doesn't that give the team not making the substitution a pretty big advantage by having more men on the ice than the other if even for that span of 15 seconds?? Or is there something I am missing here?Also how so they guys know they are being substituted for, is there a signal given from the bench??

Sorry for the novice question but I go to alot of Indiana Ice games with my 4 year old son who loves the sport and I have always wondered about this.

There's an invisible zone around the bench, when the players make their change they can't play the puck in that zone or they'll get penalized for too many players on the ice. It's a linesmen call I think, so it can be missed.

[Kingspoint]

Detroit just laid it to Phoenix in the 2nd period scoring 4 goals to take a 4-1 lead in the 7th game in Arizona.

[Kingspoint]

Chicago moves on to the 2nd Round.

Woo-hoo!

[texasdave]

Last year, the Capitals were down 3-1 to the Rangers and went on to win that series in seven. However, the year before, the Capitals were down 3-1 to the Flyers and went on to lose to the Flyers in seven. And prior to the 2007-2008 season, the Capitals playoff record was non existent until you go back to the days of Dale Hunter and Peter Bondra. Seems like the Capitals have a knack from fighting back from being down 3-1. However, them choking a 3-1 series lead would be unprecedented, due to them never really being in the situation to do so before.

We must be talking about different Washington Capitals hockey clubs. They have done it numerous times.


It was a record the Caps could have done without: thirteen times in NHL history, teams had blown 3-1 series leads. After a 3-0 loss in Game 7 in 1995, the Caps became the first club to blow the advantage three times. Pittsburgh goaltender Ken Wregget, who struggled for much of the series, made 31 saves to earn the shutout.

Three times by the end of the 1995 playoffs and I am pretty sure they have done it since then. I just don't know where to look up the year-by-year playoff results.

[texasdave]

This article by Thomas Boswell of the Washington Post sums up the propensity of the Washington Capitals to choke in the playoffs quite nicely. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/27/AR2010042704750.html

A couple of the highlights of the article:


The Washington Capitals have faced the frightening prospect of failure -- and then failed spectacularly-- as often, as infamously, and usually as comically as any pro team in sports in the last 30 years.


In the last 25 years, the Capitals have blown a two-game lead in a playoff series six times. All six times, they finished in a total tailspin, losing either their last three or four straight games.

But if the Caps squander a two-game lead for a seventh time, this time against Montreal, they will break new ground. No top-seeded team has ever blown a 3-1 lead to an eighth-seeded team.

They missed the playoffs in six of those years so they have coughed up a two-game lead in six out of 19 playoff seasons.

Boswell states they have lost 20 straight games to end those six seasons.
It's incredible: six seasons that ended with a combined 20 straight defeats (with 12 losses at home) after gaining 2-0 or 3-1 leads.
There is only one possibility that makes the math work. They lost 2-0 leads twice (4 games x 2 = 8 losses). And they lost 3-1 leads four times (3 games x 4 = 12 losses).

If they lose to Montreal in game seven it will be the fifth 3-1 series lead that the Capitals have kicked away in the last quarter century. So it only seems like they do it every year, especially for a Capitals' fan.

[Kingspoint]

Montreal ahead of Washington 1-0 w/ 4 minutes left in the 2nd period of Game 7.

[Kingspoint]

Tie game at 19:36 of the 3rd!

No Goal! Waived off. Man in the crease.

Wow.

[Kingspoint]

12:00 to go for Washington. They've only led at home for 6:36 during this series after having a 30-5-6 record at home this year (best in the NHL).

Still 1-0 Montreal.

[Kingspoint]

6:00 left for Washington to avoid the ultimate futility.

[Kingspoint]

Caps Tie it!

But, Montreal goes back ahead.

Wild final few minutes.

[Kingspoint]

..

[Kingspoint]

Caps Choke!

Lose Game 7, 2-1.

[texasdave]

All is in order in the hockey universe as the Capitals blow another 3-1 series lead. Some things you can count on.

[Chip R]

Caps Choke!

Lose Game 7, 2-1.

:D

[Oxilon]

Still trying to figure out how that Ovechkin goal didn't count early in the 3rd period. If that's goalie interference, they may want to start calling all of the goalie interference calls.

[Kingspoint]

Still trying to figure out how that Ovechkin goal didn't count early in the 3rd period. If that's goalie interference, they may want to start calling all of the goalie interference calls.

They thought it was probably a bad call.

[reds1869]

The universe is now back in order. Bye bye, Ovie! Enjoy your off season!

[NJReds]

Pavelski, Boyle and Nabokov are helping the Sharks overcome the fact that the big-3 "Thornton, Heatley and Marleau" have not shown up yet.

[westofyou]

Pavelski, Boyle and Nabokov are helping the Sharks overcome the fact that the big-3 "Thornton, Heatley and Marleau" have not shown up yet.

Thorton had a good first 2 periods last night, he got injured and vanished in the 3rd.

RW were sluggish in the 1st period, Sharks didn't touch their 4th line the whole game, whilst the RW 4th line looked the most alive early on.

For the Sharks to really take it to the Wings they need more production from their 4th line plus they need to keep controling the face offs and try not to dive as hard when looking for a call. :)

[NJReds]

Thorton had a good first 2 periods last night, he got injured and vanished in the 3rd.

RW were sluggish in the 1st period, Sharks didn't touch their 4th line the whole game, whilst the RW 4th line looked the most alive early on.

For the Sharks to really take it to the Wings they need more production from their 4th line plus they need to keep controling the face offs and try not to dive as hard when looking for a call. :)

I actually thought the Red Wings got a couple borderline calls in the early going. But the Sharks do have some theater majors, I'll give you that.

Sharks have been a great faceoff team all year. I still think they need production from the top line more than the 4th line.

Did Cleary come back in the 3rd. He looked pretty shaken up.

[westofyou]

I actually thought the Red Wings got a couple borderline calls in the early going. But the Sharks do have some theater majors, I'll give you that.

Sharks have been a great faceoff team all year. I still think they need production from the top line more than the 4th line.

Did Cleary come back in the 3rd. He looked pretty shaken up.

Concerning the 4th line, production isn't needed, but minutes are, if tehy can trim 6-8 minutes off teh 1st 3 lines time on ice then it just means the scorers are fresher.

[NJReds]

More bad officiating in Game 2. Sharks take advantage. To be fair, there were bad calls on both sides ... but more went against the Wings. Sharks are playing better this year than in playoffs past. It'll be interesting to see how they play in Detroit, where they haven't fared well in the past. I could very easily see this series going back to SJ tied at 2-2.

[westofyou]

9 penalties, the 3rd period was crazy out of control no PK could hold back that.

[Patrick Bateman]

Hawks need a strong game tonight. Sloppy defense and lack of finishing made game 1 a disaster.

Finding a guy that can score with Toews and Kane is a must, Bickell had a number of chances on his stick that went nowhere. Time for a switch to Brouwer or Sharp would be big.

[Kingspoint]

Hawks need a strong game tonight. Sloppy defense and lack of finishing made game 1 a disaster.

Finding a guy that can score with Toews and Kane is a must, Bickell had a number of chances on his stick that went nowhere. Time for a switch to Brouwer or Sharp would be big.

Wouldn't want to travel to Vancouver down 0-2.

[westofyou]

Ouch looks like the Sharks might have this one in the bag, oh well, it's a transition season for the Wings, and they have done so much already with so little.

[NJReds]

Ouch looks like the Sharks might have this one in the bag, oh well, it's a transition season for the Wings, and they have done so much already with so little.

Versus here in NJ showed the Penguins game, so I only saw the last 15 minutes of the third period of the Sharks game. I have to say that I'm surprised at how they rebounded from the Boyle "own-goal" in the first series. This team seems tougher and more determined than Sharks teams from the past couple years. Thornton has his head in the game, and he scored a big goal last night. Malhotra has brought some 3rd line toughness and is great on faceoffs. Pavelski has emerged as the team leader.

[Kingspoint]

Blackhawks move closer with 5-2 win to take a 2-1 lead against the Canucks.

[Patrick Bateman]

Looks like Toews and Kane found their shooter.

[Kingspoint]

Looks like Toews and Kane found their shooter.

Imagine Ray Lewis on skates. That's what Chicago found last night.

[jredmo2]

Tonight's game should be interesting. The Canucks are vowing to return the favor on Niemi in terms of crashing the net. I thought the Hawks probably got away with goalie interference on a couple goals in game 3, but on the other hand, that's on Luongo for giving up rebound after rebound.

[Kingspoint]

Tonight's game should be interesting. The Canucks are vowing to return the favor on Niemi in terms of crashing the net. I thought the Hawks probably got away with goalie interference on a couple goals in game 3, but on the other hand, that's on Luongo for giving up rebound after rebound.


You've got Cubs/Reds and Hawks/Canucks.

[Cedric]

Vancouver has controlled play in 3 out of 4 games. Roberto Luongo is playing terrible hockey right now. He is in a bad funk.

[Kingspoint]

Vancouver has controlled play in 3 out of 4 games. Roberto Luongo is playing terrible hockey right now. He is in a bad funk.

It's funny how lot's of goalies all of a sudden get in bad funks when they end up playing Chicago.

[Kingspoint]

On to the Conference Finals...

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http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:BoQtKbktc-_gbM:http://i.cdn.turner.com/sivault/si_online/covers/images/1966/0131_large.jpg

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#1 San Jose vs #2 Chicago.

The Blackhawks took 3 of 4 this year from them....and they have the better looking uniforms.

[NJReds]

Sharks - Hawks. Should be a great series.

[westofyou]

Sharks - Hawks. Should be a great series.

Sharks should finally get it, Sharks in 7

[NJReds]

Sharks should finally get it, Sharks in 7

If Thornton and Marleau show up and play well, I agree. So far, Thornton has played better than any previous playoff run in San Jose.

[westofyou]

If Thornton and Marleau show up and play well, I agree. So far, Thornton has played better than any previous playoff run in San Jose.

I think they have the clear goalie advantage, plus they can match the Hawks firepower.

[NJReds]

I think they have the clear goalie advantage, plus they can match the Hawks firepower.

Should be a high-scoring affair. Interesting to see how the Sharks come out after the layoff. You'd think they'd be flying.

[Chip R]

Game 7 in PIT tonight ought to be a doozy.

[Chip R]

4-0 Habs in the 2nd period now. Pit just changed goalies.

[reds44]

4-2 in the second intermission and the Pens have a 4 on 3 power play comign out of the break.

[Chip R]

Habs score on a power play to make it 5-2.

[Chip R]

And it ends up 5-2! Montreal knocks out the two marquee players of the league. The TV networks hating the Habs right now. :D

[Kingspoint]

I think they have the clear goalie advantage, plus they can match the Hawks firepower.

You said that about Nashville.

[Kingspoint]

Should be a high-scoring affair. Interesting to see how the Sharks come out after the layoff. You'd think they'd be flying.

I'm going to guess that they come out stale and Chicago takes the first game 5-1.

[westofyou]

You said that about Nashville.
Lot's of teams match their goalie, but I never said Nashville's offense could match the Hawks, but San Jose can.

[NJReds]

I'm going to guess that they come out stale and Chicago takes the first game 5-1.

It wouldn't surprise me at all.

[Patrick Bateman]

I expect a close series. I said the same thing about the Hawks/Canucks, which would have been a lot different if the Canucks hold on to game 2.

SJ is playing their best playoff hockey in a while, and the Hawks always seem to turn things up a notch when they have to.

I don't know... someone will win in 7.

[Reds Fanatic]

Flyers just completed the comeback. Were down 3-0 in the series and they come back to win the series and they were down 3-0 in the first period tonight.

[westofyou]

Classic fold, just classic

[Oxilon]

Classic fold, just classic

I don't know if I would call it a fold. Bruins didn't change their style during the game, even when they went up 3-0. Flyers just adjusted their play and Boston couldn't handle it.

[westofyou]

I don't know if I would call it a fold. Bruins didn't change their style during the game, even when they went up 3-0. Flyers just adjusted their play and Boston couldn't handle it.

They lost 4 straight games, that's the 4th time major league sports history, that's the fold.

They lost the lead on a too many men on the ice, that in itself qualifies as classic.

[Joseph]

Brilliant game today between the Hawks and Sharks.

[Kingspoint]

Montreal wouldn't feel comfortable if they didn't get behind to start a series.

[Kingspoint]

And the Hawks kick some more butt tonight, totally dominating the Sharks.

So much for Goalie advantage.

Flyers post another shutout.

Looks like Flyers versus Hawks in the NHL Finals.

[westofyou]

Sharks lost their spark at home, the Flyers are playing like the regular season never happened, but 2-0 leads are not etched in stone.

These ones look pretty much on track though.

[NJReds]

The Sharks aren't as good as the Hawks. Nimii is outplaying Nabakov. And the window is just about closed on this group. I would expect that Marleau and Nabakov will be gone (due to the salary cap). If they can trade Thornton, they probably will.

Not over if they win game 3 ... but that's asking a lot from a group that's shown very little will to go the extra mile in the playoffs.

[westofyou]

The Sharks aren't as good as the Hawks. Nimii is outplaying Nabakov. And the window is just about closed on this group. I would expect that Marleau and Nabakov will be gone (due to the salary cap). If they can trade Thornton, they probably will.

Not over if they win game 3 ... but that's asking a lot from a group that's shown very little will to go the extra mile in the playoffs.

True, the Hawks are the class of the league now, even with a rookie netminder. However the Flyers are not of this world right now and should worry either western division fan base. Speaking of caps teh Hawks have a small window too, not as small as the Sharks but they have some serious payroll to a small group looming on the horizon, the new NHL is a juggling talent act.

[Kingspoint]

San Jose has a 5 on 3 right now in a 0-0 tie in the 2nd period.

[Kingspoint]

San Jose has a 5 on 3 right now in a 0-0 tie in the 2nd period.


They scored.

1-0 San Jose. The penalty had just expired, but the 4th Hawk couldn't get there in time. They tried to sneak Hossa out, so it's going to remain 5 on 4 for about 31 seconds.

The Hawks have been #1 in the NHL in power-killing during the playoffs.

[Kingspoint]

TIE GAME 1-1!

Hawks with their own power play goal....and quickly they did it...about 40 seconds into the power play.

[Kingspoint]

Happy 69th Birthday, Stan Mikita!!!


:beerme:

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[WMR]

What a game!

Hawks are playing some incredible hockey right now.

[Joseph]

Go Blackhawks!

I'm rooting for a Canadiens comeback.

[westofyou]

Go Blackhawks!

I'm rooting for a Canadiens comeback.

I'm rooting a good final myself, no sweeps.

[The Voice of IH]

I need to watch more NHL, but in the ECHL, lol, the Cyclones have won the Kelly Cup!

I am just now learning how to play Hockey, and I tell you, some major respect goes out :eek::D

[Kingspoint]

Another shutout by the Flyers!

Wow!

[Kingspoint]

HAWKS WIN!!!

Sharks score the first two goals of the game but Chicago scores the rest for a 4-2 victory and a sweep of San Jose.

Unless Montreal pulls out yet another miracle, it's the Flyers versus the Blackhawks, with the Blackhawks trying to end one of the longest droughts in all of sports, and the longest in Hockey. After Canada won the Gold in the Olympics it would be fitting for the Blackhawks to win the Stanley Cup.

[Joseph]

The Hawks against a hot and tough goalie.

This could be an amazing Cup.

[Kingspoint]

Lost in Chicago's Offense is that because they have such a great Offense, they were 2nd in the League in fewest shots against this season. So, Chicago's Goalies don't have to get as many saves as their opponent does.

[westofyou]

Lost in Chicago's Offense is that because they have such a great Offense, they were 2nd in the League in fewest shots against this season. So, Chicago's Goalies don't have to get as many saves as their opponent does.

That's the classic puck possession game perfected by the Wings, it means your goalie needs to be aware that his activity is going to be less than usual, in the past the Wings had gotten few FA goalies who got stale in that setup, some guys need action, others can go with the flow. It also spoils the viewer as you believe all teams do this sort of game approach, but of course it's not true, very few do it well.

[Reds]

What a high scoring game. 6-5 Chicago with 10 minutes left, but who has the lead has meant little so far.

[Kingspoint]

3 more.

[Joseph]

It was loud....damned loud. A lot of regulars said it was louder than anytime they'd ever heard it.

A little comparison:

Organist practicing, Pre-game: 91dB Truck traffic

Hawks come out on ice, Pre-game: 107dB Power mower at 3ft

Hawks enter ice, Pre-game: 115dB Loud rock concert

National Anthem, Pre-game: 115-121dB Sandblasting

Kane shown on video screen, 5:55 of 1st period: 104dB Snowmobile

Brouwer tying goal, 7:14 of 1st period: 116dB Loud rock concert

Bolland breakaway, SH goal 11:50 of 1st period: 118dB Loud rock concert

Let's go Hawks cheer after PHI 4th goal, 8:00 of 2nd period: 108dB Loud rock concert

Versteeg's tying goal, 9:31 of 2nd period: 112dB Power saw at 3ft

PA announcement on Flyers goalie switch, 15:18 of 2nd period: 109dB Loud rock concert

Kopecky scores Hawks' 6th goal, 8:25 of 3rd period: 114dB Sandblasting

Niemi makes glove save on Briere, 17:54 of 3rd period: 108dB Loud rock concert

Final buzzer goes off, End of game: 113dB Sandblasting

Hawks give stick salute to fans, Postgame: 110dB Loud rock concert

[Kingspoint]

It was loud....damned loud. A lot of regulars said it was louder than anytime they'd ever heard it.

A little comparison:

Organist practicing, Pre-game: 91dB Truck traffic

Hawks come out on ice, Pre-game: 107dB Power mower at 3ft

Hawks enter ice, Pre-game: 115dB Loud rock concert

National Anthem, Pre-game: 115-121dB Sandblasting

Kane shown on video screen, 5:55 of 1st period: 104dB Snowmobile

Brouwer tying goal, 7:14 of 1st period: 116dB Loud rock concert

Bolland breakaway, SH goal 11:50 of 1st period: 118dB Loud rock concert

Let's go Hawks cheer after PHI 4th goal, 8:00 of 2nd period: 108dB Loud rock concert

Versteeg's tying goal, 9:31 of 2nd period: 112dB Power saw at 3ft

PA announcement on Flyers goalie switch, 15:18 of 2nd period: 109dB Loud rock concert

Kopecky scores Hawks' 6th goal, 8:25 of 3rd period: 114dB Sandblasting

Niemi makes glove save on Briere, 17:54 of 3rd period: 108dB Loud rock concert

Final buzzer goes off, End of game: 113dB Sandblasting

Hawks give stick salute to fans, Postgame: 110dB Loud rock concert

From the looks of that, I'm assuming you have a hoarse voice right now, or at least this morning you did.

[Kingspoint]

I had one pennant up on my wall growing up....not the Bengals, not the REDS, not any other sport other than Hockey's Chicago Blackhawks.

Baseball's a game.

Hockey's a sport.

There has to be fighting and blood for it to be a sport.

Horse-racing's a sport.

Anyway, that's all for another subject.

Go Hawks!

[Joseph]

I did indeed have a bit of a hoarse voice for a bit yes. Was entirely worth it though.

[Joseph]

My goodness the Hawks can't clear the zone to save their lives tonight.

[WMR]

Make it 2 down, 2 to go!!

Loved seeing JR in the studio. He's the guy who made me into a Hawks fan. Well, him, Amonte, and Chelios.

[westofyou]

My goodness the Hawks can't clear the zone to save their lives tonight.

They could block some shots though, the last 8 minutes was an onslaught, but the young goalie persevered. Game 3 should be a different beast though, east coast energy is a wildcard.

[Kingspoint]

They could block some shots though, the last 8 minutes was an onslaught, but the young goalie persevered. Game 3 should be a different beast though, east coast energy is a wildcard.

It should be just as difficult to score as it was tonight for the Hawks, if not more difficult.

As great as the Hawks have been on the Road these playoffs, it's really going to be hard for them to come up with 3 goals in a game, I would think, in Philadelphia.

[Joseph]

I think the Hawks could generate more scoring opportunities if they stay aggressive. After they got the 2-0 lead they played not to lose.

[Kingspoint]

I think the Hawks could generate more scoring opportunities if they stay aggressive. After they got the 2-0 lead they played not to lose.


Their top line didn't score in two games at home.

But, then this is the Hawks, and it's their Offensive Depth why they were favored to win the whole thing.

[Joseph]

Their top line didn't score in two games at home.

But, then this is the Hawks, and it's their Offensive Depth why they were favored to win the whole thing.

Which just goes to say that maybe the series won't be close after all, but then again Richards didn't score for the Flyers either so it could be a wash all in all.

I would love to see a sweep [sorry Woy] just because I don't like letting a team like the Flyers hang around. 7 seed or not they have some talent and they never quit.

[reds44]

YouTube - CBC HNIC SCF Game #1 Opening 2010 (HD) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNVep1q9baA)

[Kingspoint]

3-3 heading to Overtime.

[WMR]

Damn. Let's get game 4 boys.

[Joseph]

Despite the loss, that was one helluva game last night. I still feel like the Hawks haven't played up to their abilities, but part of that is the Flyers physicality.

Still it was good to see Kane on that breakaway, kids special. Not like Crosby I know, but still he's something to behold when he's out there trying to create.

Niemi still worries me as far away from the net as he gets sometimes. I think two of their goals were off rebounds because he ended up out of position after blocking shots.

[Kingspoint]

Losing on a line-change hurt.

[jredmo2]

I am getting a keg for tonight, in support of the Blackhawks. Really need a win tonight, I think Philly has been playing well all series, we really need to prevent 2-2.

[Joseph]

YouTube - Blackhawks Song (We love the Hawks?) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNn3k1KfOrs&feature=player_embedded)

[Joseph]

Not pretty, not pretty, not pretty.

[Joseph]

3-1 end of 2nd. If this thing gets tied 2-2 I'm REAL worried.

[Joseph]

I'm real worried. Quenville needs to shake these lines up.

[Kingspoint]

Lot of Goals scored in Philadelphia.

[Joseph]

Ok, todays the day. MUST WIN game for the Hawks.

Q is gonna have to take Buff off the top line and put him on Hossa's line I think. That way the Flyers have to decide when to play Pronger, do they play him to stop Buff or do they match him with the top line?

[westofyou]

Ok, todays the day. MUST WIN game for the Hawks.

Q is gonna have to take Buff off the top line and put him on Hossa's line I think. That way the Flyers have to decide when to play Pronger, do they play him to stop Buff or do they match him with the top line?

Pronger will top 30 minutes, he'll face the top line and double up on the PP, he'll probably extend into the 2nd lines shift time a bit, but he's not a shadow, he won't follow one player exclusively. He's a wall, he's gonna face the best line 100% of the time.

The BH need to improve their transition game, the Flyers have owned the center of the ice the last 2 games and that stifles the BH's creative offense by taking away ice, they need ice, it's the tantamount of their puck control game.

[jredmo2]

Pronger will top 30 minutes, he'll face the top line and double up on the PP, he'll probably extend into the 2nd lines shift time a bit, but he's not a shadow, he won't follow one player exclusively. He's a wall, he's gonna face the best line 100% of the time.

The BH need to improve their transition game, the Flyers have owned the center of the ice the last 2 games and that stifles the BH's creative offense by taking away ice, they need ice, it's the tantamount of their puck control game.

Agreed. On Friday the Hawks were panicking against the Flyer's forecheck, and served up some lazy clearing "attempts." They've got to do a better job of recognizing when the breakout opportunity isn't there.

[Reds]

I'd be surprised if the Flyers win tonight. I'd be surprised if Leighton had a great game. Then again, they've surprised me before.

[Kingspoint]

What do you guys think of the announcers tonight (on the nationally televised broadcast on NBC)?

[Kingspoint]

Darn, that was close.

A steal and breakaway, but Byfuglien couldn't control the puck.

[Kingspoint]

A lot of early pressure by the Hawks.

[Kingspoint]

Michael Jordan at the game.

Cool.

[Reds]

Leighton is reeling. Flyers need to get out of the 1st and regroup.

ended up giving up 3 goals on the final 7 shots of the 1st period. that won't cut it.

looking more and more like the Flyers will need to win at home and steal a game 7, unless a dramatically different team comes out of the locker room.

[Joseph]

4-2, I like it.

[Kingspoint]

That 5th Goal of the Hawks was beautiful. 4 crisp passes. Everyone touched it on the power-play.

[Joseph]

5-3. Hawks have been impressive tonight thankfully. They've shoved Pronger around some and its been big.

I don't know a possession time breakdown, but I'd wager the Hawks are off at 2-1 easily. Very few sloppy passes and the Flyers are making silly mistakes as far as penalties.

Keep it working fellas.

[Reds]

That 5th Goal of the Hawks was beautiful. 4 crisp passes. Everyone touched it on the power-play.

It was practically an indefensible play the way they pulled it off. Very nice goal.

I like, as I did as the start of the series, the 'Hawks in 6 games.

[jredmo2]

It was practically an indefensible play the way they pulled it off. Very nice goal.

I like, as I did as the start of the series, the 'Hawks in 6 games.

I think its the Hawks in 7. The Hawks really benefited from last change last night, and I think the Flyers will do the same on Weds. But I hope you are right, because I have Phish tickets on Friday and would miss game 7 (yes I am a hockey-lovin hippy).

[westofyou]

(yes I am a hockey-lovin hippy).

As am I (but I'm more of a reformed old hippy, though I did go to the Gorge last year.)

This is a home series, someone will have to steal one on the road and I don't see that currently.

[jredmo2]

As am I (but I'm more of a reformed old hippy, though I did go to the Gorge last year.)


Yeah, I'd consider myself in semi-retirement. Although I'm only 24, it was a lot easier to be a hippie in college.

[westofyou]

Yeah, I'd consider myself in semi-retirement. Although I'm only 24, it was a lot easier to be a hippie in college.

It was lot easier in the 80's

[Joseph]

Whose bright idea was it to have two off days?

[westofyou]

Whose bright idea was it to have two off days?

103 games these guys (Hawks have played) 2 days off gives a better game 6 than 1 day, rest is god to a hockey player in June.

[Joseph]

Oh I know. I'm just anxious & eager.

It's been a very entertaining series another day isn't the end of the world, it just seems like it.

[reds44]

Whose bright idea was it to have two off days?
Probably so they don't go head to head with the NBA?

[Joseph]

I initially would agree that they might try to avoid hurting the ratings, however they went head to head on Sunday night already.

[Kingspoint]

Plus, there was this month off they had for the Olympics.

[reds44]

I initially would agree that they might try to avoid hurting the ratings, however they went head to head on Sunday night already.
And that was a bad idea too.

[Joseph]

Hawks need to come out fast and strong in the 1st period. If they set the tone early they could put this one away quickly.

[Kingspoint]

18 minutes to go!!!!

Let's Go Hawks!!!

http://committedindians.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/mikita-SI.jpg

[Patrick Bateman]

I will change my signature to the funniest thing someone can think of if the hawks score in ot

[Oxilon]

Still trying to figure out how that Ladd cross-check into Briere's back when the play was over wasn't a penalty. I know it was near the end of regulation in Game 6, but it's not like it was a boarderline interference call -- that was a dirty hit.

[WMR]

YouTube - Kool & The Gang - Celebration (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GwjfUFyY6M)

[Cedric]

When I lived in Chicago for a year the city was pathetic in their support for the Blackhawks. I'm sure now they are back in droves.

[WMR]

Awesome win for the Hawks! The Hawks and their fans deserve this Stanley Cup after all those dark years under Bill Wirtz.

Great feeling. :D

[Homer Bailey]

When I lived in Chicago for a year the city was pathetic in their support for the Blackhawks. I'm sure now they are back in droves.

Most bandwagon city I've ever seen. They were literally 2nd to last in attendance in 2006. Congrats to the Hawks. No congrats to the fans that bought jerseys this year.

[WMR]

I love Jeremy Roenick. Love seeing that kind of emotion out of him. He's the biggest reason I became a Hawks fan.

[Kingspoint]

I love Jeremy Roenick. Love seeing that kind of emotion out of him.

Me, too.

He's a Hawk...will always be a Hawk.

[Cedric]

Most bandwagon city I've ever seen. They were literally 2nd to last in attendance in 2006. Congrats to the Hawks. No congrats to the fans that bought jerseys this year.

They did have a terrible owner though. I can't blame people in Chicago actually rooting for a winner :)

[Kingspoint]

They did have a terrible owner though. I can't blame people in Chicago actually rooting for a winner :)

Yes. When they let Roenick walk and then others...well.

[Kingspoint]

Where's Chelios?

[westofyou]

Most bandwagon city I've ever seen. They were literally 2nd to last in attendance in 2006. Congrats to the Hawks. No congrats to the fans that bought jerseys this year.

They weren't on TV until then too, they didn't market well at all.

Congrats to the Hawks, they pressed hard the past 2 games and looked to be the best by a fair margin, the Flyers couldn't roll lines with them in this game, only their defense kept them in the 1st 50 minutes.

Season starts in 4 months.

Go Wings!

[Reds]

Good playoffs, weird ending because few people knew it was over until 4-5 second after the goal.

Hawks were the best team this year, they deserved this. I'm sure the parade will be crazy.

[NJReds]

Congrats to the Hawks. They are a tremendous team.

[WMR]

Will the Hawks be able to hold onto Toews and Kane?

[Oxilon]

Will the Hawks be able to hold onto Toews and Kane?

I'm no payroll guru, but seeing how the Penguins resigned Crosby, Malkin, and Staal and the Caps have Ovechkin, Backstrom, and Semin locked up, I don't see why the Hawks couldn't keep both Toews and Kane locked up for the rest of their careers.

[jredmo2]

Will the Hawks be able to hold onto Toews and Kane?


IIRC, they both signed 5 yr extensions last year. Granted, that only gets them through their mid-twenties. Keith signed some ridiculous extension as well, I think it was 13 or 14 years.

They do have a couple problem contracts. Campbell, I believe, is the highest played player on the team, and Huet makes plenty of money to sit on the bench.

[westofyou]

Will the Hawks be able to hold onto Toews and Kane?

They've locked up a fair number of the big ticket guys to BIG contracts, they will cap problems as the bulk of the payroll is targeted to too few players, they are pretty deep, but that will hurt you when you've got young stars locked up (and Hossa, Campbell) and they take the cap room for up and comers.

I don't think it will be too much of an issue for 2 years, but they'll have to get inventive and move bodies for draft picks and Jr players if they need salary relief, it will hurt late season pickups (as seen with the Wings this season) all and all they'll have the two youngsters for awhile.

[Joseph]

The thing I love most about hockey [though it could be said of other sports as well] is that these guys work so hard all year long, they sweat, they bleed, they ache....all for the chance to spend an hour at the end of the season running around on the ice like a bunch of ten year old kids screaming and yelling and acting like fools.

It's a beautiful thing to behold and even more special when it is 'your' team.

Congrats Blackhawks!

[westofyou]

Will the Hawks be able to hold onto Toews and Kane?

Found this at the Freep.



Playoff goaltender Antti Niemi is a restricted free agent, as is talented young defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson, along with key forward Andrew Ladd plus Jordan Hendry, Ben Eager, Colin Fraser and Bryan Bickell. John Madden, Adam Burish, Nick Boynton and Kim Johnsson are unrestricted free agents.

The Blackhawks already have $57.6 million tied up in 14 players headed into the 2010-11 season, and because the salary cap isn't expected to rise above $58.8 million, something has got to give to reach at least a 22-man roster.

The Blackhawks will have to look at trades but, for starters, unloading Cristobal Huet and his two years at $5.6 million each won't be easy, and yet, Niemi is obviously the goalie of choice. Defenseman Brian Campbell, meanwhile, makes $7 million a season and has six years remaining on a deal, making him pretty much untradeable.

There are a few untouchables on the team: captain Jonathan Toews, fellow young superstar Patrick Kane, ex-Wing Marian Hossa (he's still got 11 years left on his deal) and Duncan Keith, a Nicklas Lidstrom-type franchise player. Toews, Kane, Hossa and Keith add up to nearly $25 million (that includes Toews' $1.35-million Conn Smythe bonus).

But what about Patrick Sharp, a consistent 20-goal scorer whose cap number is $3.9 million, not to mention Dustin Byfuglien, who is making $3 million? Or Kris Versteeg, a 24-year-old coming off back-to-back 20-goal seasons? They're all players any team would want, but Chicago simply can't keep them all.

[WMR]

What sort of cap penalties are in place in the NHL?

[Kingspoint]

They swung for the fences with the signing of Hossa. Eventually they'll have to pay for it, but by winning their first Championship in 49 years, it was worth it. It doesn't matter now what happens. The drought is over.

[WMR]

Yep, Cap hell in the future, who cares, honestly. A Cup makes it all worth it.

[NJReds]

I know that salary caps level the playing field and keep renegade owners from blowing up a payroll, but it also penalizes teams that do a good job drafting and developing young talent. It'd be nice if homegrown talent didn't count against the cap.

[Hoosier Red]

They swung for the fences with the signing of Hossa. Eventually they'll have to pay for it, but by winning their first Championship in 49 years, it was worth it. It doesn't matter now what happens. The drought is over.

One trick I've heard that they're going to try to pull off is to place Huet on their AHL team. Apparantly when a player is in the minors, the salary doesn't count against the cap.

[reds44]

One trick I've heard that they're going to try to pull off is to place Huet on their AHL team. Apparantly when a player is in the minors, the salary doesn't count against the cap.
Yeah, if the Hawks put Huet in the AHL, they still owe him the $6.5 mil, but it doesn't count against the cap. The Hawks could also buy Huet out, which would save the Hawks money, but it wouldn't save as much money against the cap as it would if they stored him in Rockford.

[reds44]

They swung for the fences with the signing of Hossa. Eventually they'll have to pay for it, but by winning their first Championship in 49 years, it was worth it. It doesn't matter now what happens. The drought is over.
The Hossa deal is one of the best value contracts in the NHL. The Campbell and Huet contracts given by Tallon and Tallon screwing up the RFA last year are the Hawks major issues right now.

The Hawks cap issues are way overblown though. Yeah, they're going to have to get rid of some guys, but they still have their core guys locked up long term.

For as bad as Campbell's contract is ($7 mil), the Hawks are thin at defensemen and the Hawks had a lot of issues getting their offense started in the Nashville series, but they may not have a choice. No way should the Hawks deal Sharp.

Ideally Huet goes to Rockford and they deal Sopel and Versteeg, but the Hawks could basically keep everyone if they were to still send Huet to Rockford, but also deal Campbell.

[reds44]

Here's a really good read on the Hawks cap situation:
http://committedindians.com/how-to-save-the-2010-11-blackhawks/

[Chip R]

The champs make a trade

http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/nhl/news/story?id=5320715

[westofyou]

Marty Reasnor?

[Joseph]

If that don't look like a salary dump......

[westofyou]

If that don't look like a salary dump......

A BIG Dump is what it looks like

[Joseph]

I agree, BIG huge one, but its being spun on a lot of media outlets as a great deal for the Hawks because they get some talent and salary cap relief while the Thrashers [almost called them the Hawks as in the NBA] are taking a gamble that Buff is the playoff version and not the regular season version.

[westofyou]

I agree, BIG huge one, but its being spun on a lot of media outlets as a great deal for the Hawks because they get some talent and salary cap relief while the Thrashers [almost called them the Hawks as in the NBA] are taking a gamble that Buff is the playoff version and not the regular season version.

Two high picks are nice, but they won't show for a few years if they are used correctly

[Kingspoint]

That's a lot to lose (by the Hawks).

[Revering4Blue]

CHICAGO (AP) -- The salary purge and roster revamping of the Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks continued Thursday when they sent forward Andrew Ladd to the Atlanta Thrashers.

The move came a day after Chicago traded versatile forward Kris Versteeg to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Last week, Chicago dealt playoff star Dustin Byfuglien, Brent Sopel and Ben Eager to Atlanta and shipped Colin Fraser to Edmonton.

''We've had a strategy in place going back a long time knowing the salary cap is part of our game and it's going to cause us to have to make some moves,'' general manager Stan Bowman said Thursday.

''We've had a plan in place and been able to accomplish exactly what we set out to do from the very beginning. We've shown we can embrace change when necessary. In this case, it was necessary to make moves to make sure we are reloaded for the future.''

For Ladd, who was a restricted free agent, the Blackhawks acquired defenseman Ivan Vishnevskiy and a second round pick in 2011.

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2010/07/01/sports/AP-HKN-Thrashers-Blackhawks-Trade.html?_r=1

[Reds]

I was hoping Ladd would find a way back to Carolina, he's an under-rated leader.

I also want to wish Matt Cullen luck in Minn. and Ray "the wizard" Whitney luck in PHX. Both players are class acts.

[ChiSox]

Wow, I did not expect to see a ton of support for my beloved Blackhawks on a Cincinnati Reds forum...What are your stories on how you became Hawks fans?

[reds44]

Wow, I did not expect to see a ton of support for my beloved Blackhawks on a Cincinnati Reds forum...What are your stories on how you became Hawks fans?
Born and raised in Chicago.

[Kingspoint]

Only pennant I deemed cool enough to put on my wall growing up.

[Joseph]

Back in the early 90's I was in my last years of high school. I'd primarily been exposed to the big 3 sports, MLB, NFL, Basketball [more college, but also some NBA]. I was a diligent newspaper reader [no real internet back then kiddies] and I absorbed all I could of the big sports via print media. I don't remember the specific details, but it had to do with Michael Jordan and how great the sweaters are for the 'hawks[best EVER!]. I became a fan from a distance, but started to really get into JR, Amonte, Eddie the Eagle and that whole crew. When they went to the Cup finals in 92, I became a more ardent and serious fan. When they lost, I became one of the suffering masses.

I haven't left since, though finally we have our Cup.

[ChiSox]

Nice! Amonte is my favorite athlete ever...Brent Seabrook is coming close though...LOVE a gritty defensive hockey player...Larmer is my #3 favorite Hawk ever.

I've been a fan for a couple decades when I first got interested in sports. Haven't stopped being a fan even during the lean $Bill days. I go to about 20-25 games a year (made it to 6 playoff games this year, including games in all 4 rounds!)...I live only 5 miles from the Madhouse on Madison.

Since the Hawks are by a large margin my favorite team in sports, this Stanley Cup has no possible chance of being topped on my top sports moments list. It's even 10 X greater than the 2005 White Sox...And hundreds of times bigger than the Bulls run of the 90s.

Sucks about Probie, eh? He's our last bona fide heavyweight.

[Revering4Blue]

After 13 years with the same title in the MLBPA, it appears Donald Fehr will take over as the executive director of the NHL Players Association,

http://leeinks.weei.com/sports/2010/07/14/report-fehr-to-be-named-head-of-nhlpa#comment-4016

[westofyou]

http://leeinks.weei.com/sports/2010/07/14/report-fehr-to-be-named-head-of-nhlpa#comment-4016

Much smaller fruit to juice in that basket