Perry on the ice for practice today
- ehawk

big deal...(frank) him...

No disagreement here. A prediction is an educated guess at best, not a mandate.

They're valid as much as people love to read them and go out of their way looking for them on the internet and elsewhere.

Caveat emptor. Some are more supported and tied to meaningful insights than others. And who knows how the actual games will play out (to your point).

Let me add, I've been doing these on Hawk series since 2009. My record is pretty good, because I think, I look at the teams, how they play and how the stats bear that out, then match them up. As you know, Wiz, I'm not a genius. but the numbers and styles and match ups tell you things and you can draw generally accurate conclusions form there.
- John Jaeckel

Well, the Hwks are 8-1 in their last 9 series, so you could clean up just picking them every time.

I think that was about as rational an analysis on this series as I have heard to date Al.

Whoever establishes dominance down low in the other team's defensive zone will likely win this series. Crawford and the Hawks' 3rd and 4th lines can be the difference makers over the long haul.
- RickJ

Thanks I appreciate it...

Today's Interview-
Hawks-Ducks Playoffs on NHL Radio Network with Boomer Gordon http://chirb.it/sDBpbL
on Twitter@AlCimaglia

So, has anyone made any predictions yet?

I agree, and I said it in another comment in this thread or the last, whichever team succeeds in getting—and keeping—pucks behind th opponent's defense has the advantage.

I also agree that the lower lines for Chicago could make a huge difference.

Kruger, as far as giving Q another option versus Getzlaf and just doing what that line does so well—keeping other teams pinned in their end.

And Vermette, because if that line can get something going offensively, lookout, now it a HUGE matchup problem for Boudreau. The elements are there with Sharp and TT on the wings. There were flashes against the Wild.
- John Jaeckel

Mentioned this earlier. I know one of the games the Hawks won 4-1 Q had Kruger's line out there vs Getlaf's line and it was a very effective matchup for the Hawks...that game anyway.

So, has anyone made any predictions yet?
- Elbows15

Some guy named Jaeckel says Hawks in 6...

So, has anyone made any predictions yet?
- Elbows15

No - JJ is his usual wishy-washy self, the Ducks fans have all of the stats at their fingertips but can't anayze them, the rest of us would just like someone to make a prediction so we don't have to watch the games.

So, has anyone made any predictions yet?
- Elbows15

i predict the hawks will in 8....7 games plus at least 3 OT periods.


I predict perry will have 3-4 blantant cross check and slashes that don't get called...

Some guy named Jaeckel says Hawks in 6...
- HawkintheD

Think I will wait until some Flyers' fans chime in.

My big concern is Hawks special teams.

PK needs to regain it's shutdown form, and the PP needs to contribute.

If the PK struggles, the Hawks may be in trouble.

Tough to overcome a bad PK at this point in the playoffs.

Staying out of the box would help too...but much of that is up to the refs.

No - JJ is his usual wishy-washy self, the Ducks fans have all of the stats at their fingertips but can't anayze them, the rest of us would just like someone to make a prediction so we don't have to watch the games.


- StLBravesFan

I just want the damn series to start already...

F' Kanye and his roadies.

Think I will wait until some Flyers' fans chime in.
- Elbows15

Don't stay up too late waiting for them. They are all getting up early to watch Sidney Crosby play on the same team as Giroux and Coutourier tomorrow in the World's against Voracek and Jagr.

And then you will hear all their trade proposals - Crosby straight up for RJ Umberger or Andrew MacDonald or Vinny.

So, has anyone made any predictions yet?
- Elbows15

Given all the Ducks fans (all two of them) fact-based analysis, I gotta go with Anaheim in two.

Don't stay up too late waiting for them. They are all getting up early to watch Sidney Crosby play on the same team as Giroux and Coutourier tomorrow in the World's against Voracek and Jagr.

And then you will hear all their trade proposals - Crosby straight up for RJ Umberger or Andrew MacDonald or Vinny.
- RickJ

i think Canada may, just may, want to win this year. Love how the Leaf players really show their love of playing the game. Say what you want about Ovie but I give him a ton of credit for flying over after a hugely disappointing loss and wanting to play.

Edit: Add the Blues players to the list too. Especially the guys who wore letters during the Olympics.

Given all the Ducks fans (all two of them) fact-based analysis, I gotta go with Anaheim in two.
- golfbard

Wait? There are Duck fans? And they are annoying?

I have to agree with True Grit.

I really don’t care what TSN, THN, ESPN, Sportworld, sports net, Kanye West/Bette Midler dot com thinks, or what the analytic breakdown from Stats in your drawers says.

Don’t find solice in who anybody thinks wins, or why.

I have experienced enough Stanley Cup Final Fours to know that each game is totally separate entity and each shift and everyone’s play is what gets a win.

Sure I used to feel comfort in pre-series opinions, but now the way I look at it, is if everyone favored the team I wanted to win, and they lose even one (the first game) those same “experts” start reporting in negative terms about the whys and where-fore,
Conversely the team I am rooting for wins, and it is so very easy to get cocky and think the next three wins will come the same way, and that really isn’t the way Cup playoffs go…teas don’t ro;;over and pucks deflect, bounce, skip, and go dead and the other guys score, besides the times they simply make good plays and beat my guys.

I am not chastising anyone, just trying to be a hawk fan who keeps an even keel. Not gonna go all rah-rah and then return to the board if there are sour moments to critique this player or that.

Not suggesting you all fall in line, just saying let’s play hockey a bit, on the ice, not the board.
- wiz1901

very well said Wiz.

i think Canada may, just may, want to win this year. Love how the Leaf players really show their love of playing the game. Say what you want about Ovie but I give him a ton of credit for flying over after a hugely disappointing loss and wanting to play.

Edit: Add the Blues players to the list too. Especially the guys who wore letters during the Olympics.
- Elbows15

There aren't many, if any, Leaf players who would make Team Canada. And their better ones - Kessell and JVR are Americans who either weren't picked to the team or just couldn't be bothered. I suspect the latter. And the last I saw, Mike Reilly the college kid was getting more TOI per game than Jake Gardner.

Agree on Ovi, he plays for his country and he will go anywhere to play.

There aren't many, if any, Leaf players who would make Team Canada. And their better ones - Kessell and JVR are Americans who either weren't picked to the team or just couldn't be bothered. I suspect the latter. And the last I saw, Mike Reilly the college kid was getting more TOI per game than Jake Gardner.

Agree on Ovi, he plays for his country and he will go anywhere to play.
- RickJ

Sorry . I meant the American players on the Leafs. Canada's team is pretty well stocked.

Gardiner has been a scratch a couple of games, too. He is so bad in his own end.

Man ... waitin for this series to start is driving me nuts ... WTF

Man, hell of a piece in the trib by Carbomb! All I could say is "what ever path you choose, keep the faith buddy, wish you and your family the best! " sounds like he is done , most likely here, probably for good. The kid will land on his feet here in the business world and be ok! Just upsets me that some have not given him a fair shake on these boards, and that is ok , everyone is entitled to their say. That is the toughest job in the NHL to ride shotgun for your team on a nightly basis.R I P Monty!

Win some, lose some. Hayes chose, for whatever reason, to pursue free agency rather than sign with the Hawks. This wasn't the fault of anyone in the Hawks organization. Sure Hayes would look good in a Hawk uniform but it's wather under the bridge. Hopefully the Hawk can go on and win the cup and make Mr. Hayes wonder if he made the right move.
- paulr

I can only wonder what Mr. Sequin thinks about this?

I have to agree with True Grit.

I really don’t care what TSN, THN, ESPN, Sportworld, sports net, Kanye West/Bette Midler dot com thinks, or what the analytic breakdown from Stats in your drawers says.

Don’t find solice in who anybody thinks wins, or why.

I have experienced enough Stanley Cup Final Fours to know that each game is totally separate entity and each shift and everyone’s play is what gets a win.

Sure I used to feel comfort in pre-series opinions, but now the way I look at it, is if everyone favored the team I wanted to win, and they lose even one (the first game) those same “experts” start reporting in negative terms about the whys and where-fore,
Conversely the team I am rooting for wins, and it is so very easy to get cocky and think the next three wins will come the same way, and that really isn’t the way Cup playoffs go…teas don’t ro;;over and pucks deflect, bounce, skip, and go dead and the other guys score, besides the times they simply make good plays and beat my guys.

I am not chastising anyone, just trying to be a hawk fan who keeps an even keel. Not gonna go all rah-rah and then return to the board if there are sour moments to critique this player or that.

Not suggesting you all fall in line, just saying let’s play hockey a bit, on the ice, not the board.
- wiz1901

I think it is crucial for the Hawks to win 1 of first 2 in this series. And if they win first, they can keep momentum and likely manage ice time better for thin blue line. My concern would be long tough tight games, and playing from behind.

While I admittedly did not think they would survive the first two rounds, there is no doubt that they are the modern day OILERs in my book, that is the team with the best star players who know how to win.

Looking forward to the Lighning Ranger series. I picked the east perfect, the west, not so much. I know the Wiz is kind of hungering for a Lightning Hawk final. That would be something.

Here is a tip Wiz, if they do play in final. The rink off 60 in Brandon, where we play the tournaments, is where the teams practice. It is pretty cool to watch the big boys practice live.

Anyhow, I will leave with this. I tried to, as a Chicago Fan, watch and root for bulls and maybe I am out of touch, but boy the NBA does not have great products. The Bulls run an offense like you would find on any playground. Brutal. Worse yet, were the NBA commercials of players encouraging me to learn how to be a good dad. Pure comedy. My goodness...WTF!

I can only wonder what Mr. Sequin thinks about this?
- TrueGrit

Who is Mr. Sequin?

Who is Mr. Sequin?
- paulr

He played for the Maple Leafs. Had the little gold beads on his skates and gloves.

He played for the Maple Leafs. Had the little gold beads on his skates and gloves.
- RickJ

Is that him or is this the guy?

http://youtu.be/D7EMqcskbzM