JJ, curious where you would rank the Ducks vs. the other teams the Hawks have played in the Conference Finals...I'm trying to gauge how good they are vs. the other teams...

Detroit
San Jose
LA 2x
Anaheim

Based on what?

Kesssssler likely wont even be matching up against Vermette.

Kesler will almost certainly be deployed against Richards or Toews 95% of the time

I dont really think you understand how these matchups will play out
- FourFeathers773

I see Toews and Kruger on Getzlaf, Vermette some
Boudreau will want Kesler on Toews or Richards

Another matchup advantage for the Hawks, Thompson probably can't shut down either of the Hawks' top lines. Kruger can (for stretches at least) shut down either of the Ducks.

JJ, curious where you would rank the Ducks vs. the other teams the Hawks have played in the Conference Finals...I'm trying to gauge how good they are vs. the other teams...

Detroit
San Jose
LA 2x
Anaheim
- Beaks99

2009 Detroit team was great
I put the Ducks somewhere around the 2013 Kings

It's Patrick (frank)ing Kane.
- biegs

Kane had 4 goals in three games against the Ducks in the regular. Richards and Sharp were both good too. Problem for the Ducks is stopping elite players on more than one line. Same problem every other team has against Chicago.

Kane's game is at top level right now. He's really buzzing.

They may stop him or slow him down for 3-4 games, but his numbers in games 5-7 of playoff series are insane. And it's not a coincidence.

I see Toews and Kruger on Getzlaf, Vermette some
Boudreau will want Kesler on Toews or Richards

Another matchup advantage for the Hawks, Thompson probably can't shut down either of the Hawks' top lines. Kruger can (for stretches at least) shut down either of the Ducks.
- John Jaeckel

Here is the only thing I disagree with only because if Q keeps the Vermette, Sharp, TT line out there, he will not want to risk TT getting hemmed into his own zone due to his lack of size while Beleskey, Perry, Getzlaf work their cycles.

He will definitely let the Kruger or Toews line take care of Getzlafs line and let Vermette likely feast on Rakells or Thompsons line

How I think Boudreau deploys his matchups at home:
Getz line on Toews line
Kesssler line on Richards line
Thompson line on Vermette line
Rakell line on Kruger line

How I think Q deploys his matchups
Mix of Toews/Kruger line on Getz line, but heavy with Toews
Kruger line vs Kesler line primarily
Richards/Kane line vs Rakell line
Vermette line on Thompson line

Nice to get a chance to see some of Panarin's skill at the World Championships.

Could be a good one.

\http://www.secondcityhock...8729.925646261.1391628656

Double post!

How many years have we heard from chest-pumping homers who have convinced themselevs the the Hawks attack is gonna wilt after being hit?

I totally look forward to it - I based my analysis on watching fellas-The ducks haven't faced a team like the Hawks but the same is also true Nashville & Minnesota are not even the same league as the ducks - Winnipeg gave the hawks all kinds of trouble -ducks owned Winnipeg - going to use that same blueprint ~ The hawks second pair is going to get hit not sure how they're going to hold up - not predicting a blowout but I think the ducks and seven-

But notice, you HAD to engage off topic to Obama.
Not cool, and is as much a low blow as your flimsy analysis of regular season game results as yopur logic.

As I said before, but won't say as nicely this time:

I will re-post the eide since you seem to have missed it.
Maybe, come back after a game has been played and shut your smartarse piehole now?

Wait...there are Duck fans? I have heard rumors. Didn't believe em.
- Elbows15

There's allegedly one living near me. I think he got confused by being a Oregon Duck fan.

How funny would it be if the Blackhawks invited the Robertsons to a game? Hand out free duck calls? Shotguns optional?????

Nice to get a chance to see some of Panarin's skill at the World Championships.

Could be a good one.

\http://www.secondcityhock...8729.925646261.1391628656
- TyCamScore

Yeah I watched those and right now, all those who posted and analyzed he is good defensively, better look at to these games and see he is gonna have to protected because he is gonna have trouble in his end. He did here.

Bullcrap dozer: How about that for true analysis of a hawk prospect by a hawk fan?

Here is the only thing I disagree with only because if Q keeps the Vermette, Sharp, TT line out there, he will not want to risk TT getting hemmed into his own zone due to his lack of size while Beleskey, Perry, Getzlaf work their cycles.

He will definitely let the Kruger or Toews line take care of Getzlafs line and let Vermette likely feast on Rakells or Thompsons line

How I think Boudreau deploys his matchups at home:
Getz line on Toews line
Kesssler line on Richards line
Thompson line on Vermette line
Rakell line on Kruger line

How I think Q deploys his matchups
Mix of Toews/Kruger line on Getz line, but heavy with Toews
Kruger line vs Kesler line primarily
Richards/Kane line vs Rakell line
Vermette line on Thompson line
- FourFeathers773

How I think Boudreau deploys his matchups at home:
Getz line on Toews line
Kesssler line on Richards line
Thompson line on Vermette line
Rakell line on Kruger line

AGREED. HE MAY TRY RAKELL ON RICHARDS AS WELL, BUT HE ALMOST HAS NO CHOICE BUT TO FOCUS KESLER ON KANE. THOMPSON/VERMETTE MATCHUP IS INTERESTING BUT I QUESTION HOW MANY MINUTES YOU SEE ANAHEIM'S FOURTH LINE. I ALSO THINK SHARP AND OR TT COULD END UP HAVING A HUGE SERIES IF THEY GO THIS WAY.

How I think Q deploys his matchups
Mix of Toews/Kruger line on Getz line, but heavy with Toews
Kruger line vs Kesler line primarily
Richards/Kane line vs Rakell line
Vermette line on Thompson line

AGREED, BUT I THINK HE'S GONNA WANT VERMETTE AGAINST KESLER SOME. VERMETTE WILL PAY HIM TOUGH AND MIGHT CAUSE KESLER TO BE . . . KESLER (DUMB PENALTY)

I also think you see 2/7 or 4/27 out against Getzlaf
7/44 or 4/27 or 2/4 against Kesler
2/5 against Rakell

Boudreau will put Beauchemin and Lindholm out against Toews
Fowler and Despres out against Kane
Stoner and Vatanen against Vermette
X-factor is Kruger's line which could cause problems up and down Anaheim's lineup

I can also see Q swapping out Bickell and Saad, and really going to war with Perry and Getzlaf

How I think Boudreau deploys his matchups at home:
Getz line on Toews line
Kesssler line on Richards line
Thompson line on Vermette line
Rakell line on Kruger line

AGREED. HE MAY TRY RAKELL ON RICHARDS AS WELL, BUT HE ALMOST HAS NO CHOICE BUT TO FOCUS KESLER ON KANE. THOMPSON/VERMETTE MATCHUP IS INTERESTING BUT I QUESTION HOW MANY MINUTES YOU SEE ANAHEIM'S FOURTH LINE. I ALSO THINK SHARP AND OR TT COULD END UP HAVING A HUGE SERIES IF THEY GO THIS WAY.

How I think Q deploys his matchups
Mix of Toews/Kruger line on Getz line, but heavy with Toews
Kruger line vs Kesler line primarily
Richards/Kane line vs Rakell line
Vermette line on Thompson line

AGREED, BUT I THINK HE'S GONNA WANT VERMETTE AGAINST KESLER SOME. VERMETTE WILL PLAY HIM TOUGH AND MIGHT CAUSE KESLER TO BE . . . KESLER (DUMB PENALTY). ALSO EXPECT SHAW IN KESLER'S GRILL THE WHOLE SERIES. GUARANTEED.

I also think you see 2/7 or 4/27 out against Getzlaf
7/44 or 4/27 or 2/4 against Kesler
2/5 against Rakell

Boudreau will put Beauchemin and Lindholm out against Toews
Fowler and Despres out against Kane
Stoner and Vatanen against Vermette
X-factor is Kruger's line which could cause problems up and down Anaheim's lineup

I can also see Q swapping out Bickell and Saad, and really going to war with Perry and Getzlaf
- John Jaeckel

How I think Boudreau deploys his matchups at home:
Getz line on Toews line
Kesssler line on Richards line
Thompson line on Vermette line
Rakell line on Kruger line

AGREED. HE MAY TRY RAKELL ON RICHARDS AS WELL, BUT HE ALMOST HAS NO CHOICE BUT TO FOCUS KESLER ON KANE. THOMPSON/VERMETTE MATCHUP IS INTERESTING BUT I QUESTION HOW MANY MINUTES YOU SEE ANAHEIM'S FOURTH LINE. I ALSO THINK SHARP AND OR TT COULD END UP HAVING A HUGE SERIES IF THEY GO THIS WAY.

How I think Q deploys his matchups
Mix of Toews/Kruger line on Getz line, but heavy with Toews
Kruger line vs Kesler line primarily
Richards/Kane line vs Rakell line
Vermette line on Thompson line

AGREED, BUT I THINK HE'S GONNA WANT VERMETTE AGAINST KESLER SOME. VERMETTE WILL PAY HIM TOUGH AND MIGHT CAUSE KESLER TO BE . . . KESLER (DUMB PENALTY)

I also think you see 2/7 or 4/27 out against Getzlaf
7/44 or 4/27 or 2/4 against Kesler
2/5 against Rakell

Boudreau will put Beauchemin and Lindholm out against Toews
Fowler and Despres out against Kane
Stoner and Vatanen against Vermette
X-factor is Kruger's line which could cause problems up and down Anaheim's lineup

I can also see Q swapping out Bickell and Saad, and really going to war with Perry and Getzlaf
- John Jaeckel

The closest Brad Richards gets to Kesler this series will be mailing him a postcard, unless Boudreau decides Richards is very dangerous and needs Kesler to shadow him.

At home with last change, I expect Kesler on Toews. Which means Silfverburg and Belesky against Hossa and Saad. You like that one? If not, Toews goes up against Getzlaf with those gazelles Perry and Maroon trying to keep up with Hoss and Saad.

Cogliano is a good player, will have something to say in this series depending on who he plays against. Likewise, Marcus Kruger has a big job to do vs the Ducks, likely Getzlaf.

One thing you can be sure of - Q will juggle his lines so much looking for a matchup advantage that Boudreau will have some hilarious confused looks on his face as he chews Tylenol like candy.
- RickJ

If Boudreau doesn't put Getzlaf out (and outs keeler out there) against Toews, who does he put out against Richards and Kane. Getzlaf? Interesting strategy. But if Kane is engaged up (and especially back down) the ice that could backfire.

How I think Boudreau deploys his matchups at home:
Getz line on Toews line
Kesssler line on Richards line
Thompson line on Vermette line
Rakell line on Kruger line

AGREED. HE MAY TRY RAKELL ON RICHARDS AS WELL, BUT HE ALMOST HAS NO CHOICE BUT TO FOCUS KESLER ON KANE. THOMPSON/VERMETTE MATCHUP IS INTERESTING BUT I QUESTION HOW MANY MINUTES YOU SEE ANAHEIM'S FOURTH LINE. I ALSO THINK SHARP AND OR TT COULD END UP HAVING A HUGE SERIES IF THEY GO THIS WAY.

How I think Q deploys his matchups
Mix of Toews/Kruger line on Getz line, but heavy with Toews
Kruger line vs Kesler line primarily
Richards/Kane line vs Rakell line
Vermette line on Thompson line

AGREED, BUT I THINK HE'S GONNA WANT VERMETTE AGAINST KESLER SOME. VERMETTE WILL PAY HIM TOUGH AND MIGHT CAUSE KESLER TO BE . . . KESLER (DUMB PENALTY)

I also think you see 2/7 or 4/27 out against Getzlaf
7/44 or 4/27 or 2/4 against Kesler
2/5 against Rakell

Boudreau will put Beauchemin and Lindholm out against Toews
Fowler and Despres out against Kane
Stoner and Vatanen against Vermette
X-factor is Kruger's line which could cause problems up and down Anaheim's lineup

I can also see Q swapping out Bickell and Saad, and really going to war with Perry and Getzlaf
- John Jaeckel

The Ducks have a very speedy contributor in Andrew Cogliano who isn't even mentioned here. I think they will use him up against Richards.

The Ducks have a very speedy contributor in Andrew Cogliano who isn't even mentioned here. I think they will use him up against Richards.
- RickJ

Cogliano is on Rakells line and Rakell is also their worst faceoff man by a landlside.

I dont think Boudreau wants a rookie in Rakell being tasked with shutting down the Kane line and getting taken to the woodshed at the dot vs that high offense line

For the poster on here who beats the drum for better enforcement of interference and stemming the tide of the return of clutch and grab hockey (sorry but can't remember who it is exactly but I've been paying attention and you make great points) - read the Penguins blog up this morning. The NHLPA agrees with you!
Link: http://www.hockeybuzz.com...ds-More-Scoring/177/68586
- Marlowe

I believe there are a few of us. Thanks for the heads up. I think that was a solid piece by Ryan Wilson. I'm surprised the PA is taking that stand as there are far more clutch and grab players than skilled in the league.

The numbers do not lie. I believe even the contrast between this year and last year's playoffs is significant. The number of called penalties is significantly less than last year at this point of the playoffs. This is no longer a trend line down it is more like a downward spike.

If the Ducks are allowed to clutch and grab the way the Kings were last year than this will be a very difficult round. I call this series a toss up primarily because of that concern.

Double post!

How many years have we heard from chest-pumping homers who have convinced themselevs the the Hawks attack is gonna wilt after being hit?
- wiz1901

Right on Wiz! The small Hawks syndrome. It is nice to see the ranks come foward to support the on ice product here. Short of being a Wing fan, a hockey city has not enjoyed this much sucess over 6 years. Before that the Oil, Isle and Habs. Great time for the Hawks and their fans.

And what about one of our favorite whipping boys, the inimitable Kris Versteeg?

Does Q have a mental meltdown and re-insert #23 back into the lineup?
Does #23 skating with Sharp and Vermette with #11 out sick give him hope?

I know #86 is waif-like.
However, he is quite adept at avoiding most hits and gives us 4 great lines, allowing Shaw to do his thing as 4th line winger.

Sure hope Q doesn't have a relapse where he will have to be placed in straitjacket once again after a Versteeg turnover in the neutral zone.

For the poster on here who beats the drum for better enforcement of interference and stemming the tide of the return of clutch and grab hockey (sorry but can't remember who it is exactly but I've been paying attention and you make great points) - read the Penguins blog up this morning. The NHLPA agrees with you!
Link: http://www.hockeybuzz.com...ds-More-Scoring/177/68586
- Marlowe

There's a bunch of us looking for that. Thanks for the link!

And what about one of our favorite whipping boys, the inimitable Kris Versteeg?

Does Q have a mental meltdown and re-insert #23 back into the lineup?
Does #23 skating with Sharp and Vermette with #11 out sick give him hope?

I know #86 is waif-like.
However, he is quite adept at avoiding most hits and gives us 4 great lines, allowing Shaw to do his thing as 4th line winger.

Sure hope Q doesn't have a relapse where he will have to be placed in straitjacket once again after a Versteeg turnover in the neutral zone.

- savvyone-1

However egregious his faults are, no man should ever be forced to experience the pain of having to witness Versteeg and Rundblad performing in the same game.

Is there a single Ducks fan out there with even a rudimentary understanding of the english language, punctuation or grammar?

Too many Ducts fans here are drinking the kool-aid of all the praise they received of dismantling far inferior opponents in WPG and CGY
- FourFeathers773

It's all that vegan crap. Well, lunch time guys. Time to get me a beef sammich with giardiniera and a couple of beers. Think I'll take the green line at lunch; love me some Goose Island!

Is there a single Ducks fan out there with even a rudimentary understanding of the english language, punctuation or grammar?
- Ballam

Have you been to Califnornia? If not, the answer is, "no".