truthfully. We are all bandwagon fans. We all hopped on at some point. It just so happens that most of us hopped on a long time ago.
- Elbows15

In the 80's when I started going it was like "The Stone Cutters" trying to figure out when they played, if they were going to be on TV, Sports-vision and where to get tickets from much less season tickets. "They didn't even have maps to the Chicago Stadium" (red font)[/img]

Some of us said this would happen, but many Hawk fans wouldn't listen.

Hate to tell you some of us were right ......
- paulr

The faith is strong in the beaver lodge.

Anyone know if the Rockford game will be televised anywhere? I've got DirecTV and live in NY or can I watch it online for free?

fixed
- Stu17

Sorry. The whole Kings dynasty argument just fell into the trash heap along with the "built for the playoffs" meme. You can revive it with a cup win next year but you are not a top organization when you can't even make the playoffs the year after a cup win when you didn't even have to shed cap! That is an implosion/choke of epic proportions and totally unacceptable. There is a problem in that room and organization that needs to be fixed and it is difficult to dismiss that it may be a drug related issue. Too many rumors about Carter and Richards, the Voynov event, and now Stoll's bust. No way the talent on that roster was less than the Nucks or the Flames.

http://sportsworld.nbcsports.com/blackhawks-ducks-western-conference-final-preview/


"Still, playoff success is also determined by matchups, and the Ducks’ superior statistics should be viewed in the context of the Blackhawks’ far tougher opponents. In Chicago, Anaheim takes on its toughest opponent yet, and it does not match up particularly well. The Blackhawks are nearly unbeatable at home, so it is essential that Anaheim grab Game 1 or 2 (or both) at home to avoid getting swept. There is the possibility that Anaheim will lose quickly and face a lot of accusations that it was a fraud."
- John Jaeckel

Good article. Mentions gap coverage and driving the play which is certainly more respectable than the mash mash rawr crowd.

Basically the Ducks need to play perfectly 4 / 7 times with out giving too much away to win and with the mental midgets on their team (and behind the bench) that seems less than likely

http://sportsworld.nbcsports.com/blackhawks-ducks-western-conference-final-preview/


"Still, playoff success is also determined by matchups, and the Ducks’ superior statistics should be viewed in the context of the Blackhawks’ far tougher opponents. In Chicago, Anaheim takes on its toughest opponent yet, and it does not match up particularly well. The Blackhawks are nearly unbeatable at home, so it is essential that Anaheim grab Game 1 or 2 (or both) at home to avoid getting swept. There is the possibility that Anaheim will lose quickly and face a lot of accusations that it was a fraud."
- John Jaeckel

its certainly a possibility. the hawks are about as well rounded as you can be as a team. but the ducks are no slouch. i wish both teams were full strength, itd be a hell of a series. you can look at all the stats you want, but in the end they can prove out to be pretty meaningless in a series. heres hoping we get 7 really good games.

Sure. I just don't think they will—based on 82 games and 3 games head to head, styles of play, experience, coaching.

And, BTW, I acknowledged a huge statistical uptick (over 9 games against two teams) in the playoffs for the Ducks in power play and goaltending. I basically included the gamut of regular season and head to head stats.

What are "my stats" then and what am I missing?

Be specific please.
- John Jaeckel

This.

Coaching will be a big deal and if B can't match wits with Q, then this will end earlier than anyone imagines. I'd say Q is the best in the league, with his staff included.

its certainly a possibility. the hawks are about as well rounded as you can be as a team. but the ducks are no slouch. i wish both teams were full strength, itd be a hell of a series. you can look at all the stats you want, but in the end they can prove out to be pretty meaningless in a series. heres hoping we get 7 really good games.
- flyershockey

No one thinks the Ducks are a slouch.

As far as the stats go, they could be indicative of who is going to win and when the series is over, we'll look back and compare the stats used to make a prediction to the stats that came from the series.

That fair enough for you?

Sorry. The whole Kings dynasty argument just fell into the trash heap along with the "built for the playoffs" meme. You can revive it with a cup win next year but you are not a top organization when you can't even make the playoffs the year after a cup win when you didn't even have to shed cap! That is an implosion/choke of epic proportions and totally unacceptable. There is a problem in that room and organization that needs to be fixed and it is difficult to dismiss that it may be a drug related issue. Too many rumors about Carter and Richards, the Voynov event, and now Stoll's bust. No way the talent on that roster was less than the Nucks or the Flames.
- tredbrta

I disagree. I think the problem in the room is a druggy culture and party atmosphere. There's probably a lot more we don't hear about... The whole Richard/ Carter thing from their Philly days, Stoll drug bust, etc...

That team was legit.

I disagree. I think the problem in the room is a druggy culture and party atmosphere. There's probably a lot more we don't hear about... The whole Richard/ Carter thing from their Philly days, Stoll drug bust, etc...

That team was legit.
- kaptaan

Don't you mean you agree then? I agreed that the talent was there but said....

There is a problem in that room and organization that needs to be fixed and it is difficult to dismiss that it may be a drug related issue. Too many rumors about Carter and Richards, the Voynov event, and now Stoll's bust. No way the talent on that roster was less than the Nucks or the Flames.

Not gonna lie.....it might not be the Hawks fault as some say, but damn how i wish we had K Hayes. Though as we stand i still think we're the leagues best team, with him we'd be even better(obviously). That kid is most definitely the real deal, i think its time some Hawks fans stop being salty and admit that one got away....but again, not as if the Hawks themselves messed it up. poop happens. It wasn't meant to be i guess....
- SimpleJack

And sometimes in a stairwell.

Totally agree... So Perry continues to sit out practice. BB has to say something.. or not.
- golfbard

BB said he would get a couple of practices in before Sunday.....

BTW someone said Bette Midler was occupying the Honda Center on Friday night? If you look at the Honda Center website and her tour site it says she plays there in two weeks

No Corey Perry at practIce. ......
- mrpaulish

So are we going to get it's a maintenance day again from the Ducks - they said that yesterday...

This.

Coaching will be a big deal and if B can't match wits with Q, then this will end earlier than anyone imagines. I'd say Q is the best in the league, with his staff included.
- kaptaan

Initial adjustments/game plans to leverage inherent advantages are one thing, but adjustments to adjustments are where it gets really interesting.

Q, until proven otherwise, is among the absolute best at 'building the better mouse trap'.

Maddening as it is for us die-hards, there's a reason for the 'Q blender' throughout much of the year...

BB said he would get a couple of practices in before Sunday.....
- mrpaulish

Well he's still sitting at zero and a morning skate doesn't count to me as a practice.

Well he's still sitting at zero and a morning skate doesn't count to me as a practice.
- golfbard

If there's much to this, Hawks' ability to push the game pace may become even more important.

Seems this may be a bit more than a hyper-extension or something along those lines. I don't doubt Perry will play, but he may do so with a sprain

http://sportsworld.nbcsports.com/blackhawks-ducks-western-conference-final-preview/


"Still, playoff success is also determined by matchups, and the Ducks’ superior statistics should be viewed in the context of the Blackhawks’ far tougher opponents. In Chicago, Anaheim takes on its toughest opponent yet, and it does not match up particularly well. The Blackhawks are nearly unbeatable at home, so it is essential that Anaheim grab Game 1 or 2 (or both) at home to avoid getting swept. There is the possibility that Anaheim will lose quickly and face a lot of accusations that it was a fraud."
- John Jaeckel

Interesting read John...reading the whole article its basically about what the Ducks should do to attempt to win the series...yet the writer concludes that the Hawks will prevail. Sunday can't get here soon enough...

The Ducks were 8-1 vs STL, MIN, and NAS. Chicago was 4-2 with a shootout win vs AZ and EDM. Its a good thing for the Hawks the Ducks aren't the central.
- sniper11

I see you conveniently left out how the hawks won two out of three against the ducks, and rather easily.

If there's much to this, Hawks' ability to push the game pace may become even more important.

Seems this may be a bit more than a hyper-extension or something along those lines. I don't doubt Perry will play, but he may do so with a sprain
- grinder10

Agree 100%

I see you conveniently left out how the hawks won two out of three against the ducks, and rather easily.
- darkman

because you can make stats say whatever you want them to, and to support any argument.

because you can make stats say whatever you want them to, and to support any argument.
- flyershockey

Stats don't lie, the Data may...

And some stay on .....
- paulr

The World's Greatest Goaltender Pekka Rinne gives up a soft one to Jammy Jagr to blow it in the semi final for the Finnish National Team. Seems he does that with some repetitive frequency.

And Ovi is already on his way to Prague to help the Ruskies beat the nasty American team on Saturday.

The World's Greatest Goaltender Pekka Rinne gives up a soft one to Jammy Jagr to blow it in the semi final for the Finnish National Team. Seems he does that with some repetitive frequency.

And Ovi is already on his way to Prague to help the Ruskies beat the nasty American team on Saturday.
- RickJ

Team Canada looks pretty strong. Not sure Ovi will help much, especially if he reverts back to his former self, he of the 5 minute long stand around do nothing shift.

truthfully. We are all bandwagon fans. We all hopped on at some point. It just so happens that most of us hopped on a long time ago.
- Elbows15

Like Wagon Train long time ago